Unlawful chants, physical harm, intoxication during a festive celebration - Forbidden chants, physical violence, and impaired driving during the festive period
Disarray ensued across various parts of Saxony, particularly in Dresden, on Ascension Day. The state protection department is currently investigating a boisterous group of 40 to 50 individuals who bellowed forbidden far-right slogans at the Dresden Elb meadows. They were reportedly found at the milk pavilion late on Thursday afternoon, according to the cops. The group also belted out the racism-tinged remix of the hit track "L'amour toujours" by Gigi D'Agostino.
Saxony's police forces managed their way through the turbulent holiday. In the state capital and the districts of Meißen and Saxon Switzerland-Osterzgebirge, they documented eight instances of displaying symbols of unconstitutional organizations during their deployments. Over 190 officers were on duty, backed by the riot police.
The authorities recorded an alarming 30 instances of criminal activity, incorporating eight cases of bodily harm and four incidents of drunk driving. A disturbing incident saw three minors, aged 15, 17, and 18, brutally assault and kick a tram driver, who required hospital treatment following the attack. The trio had been repeatedly warned by the driver about the alcohol ban on public transportation. The police have been investigating the case as aggravated assault.
The local fire department and rescue service collectively weathered through a relatively peaceful day. Rescue workers treated numerous patients suffering from alcohol poisoning and injuries from falls or physical fights. They were called out 234 times, and a doctor attended 58 cases. The rescue helicopter was dispatched on two occasions. The fire department also noted five fire incidents and 12 miscellaneous incidents, such as CPR assistance and aid to the rescue service.
Unrest erupted in Oelsnitz, which left 14 people needing hospital treatment. A skirmish broke out in the Taltitz district of Oelsnitz involving a six-member group, ranging in age from 16 to 21, at the Pirk reservoir beach. One man was attacked after engaging in conversation with a member of the group. The group then retaliated against several people following the initial attack.
Authorities discovered that all six suspects were intoxicated, with an 18-year-old registering the highest blood alcohol level at 2.14%. Another 18-year-old tested positive for traces of cannabis and opiates, along with a blood alcohol level of 2.06%. Witnesses claimed that he had also driven a motorcycle without a license plate and the required driver's license in his inebriated state.
Police reported only occasional incidents around Leipzig, which can primarily be attributed to the celebratory atmosphere and widespread consumption of alcohol. Mostly, they dealt with traffic accidents involving intoxicated cyclists.
Multiple cyclists were found inebriated in various locations. In Torgau (Nordsachsen district), police found a 49-year-old with a blood alcohol level of 2.85%. He had injured himself after losing control and ending up in a ditch beside a cycling path. A 56-year-old's bike ride culminated in a hospital visit in the Leipzig district of Stötteritz. He collided with the side mirror of a parked car and fell. A breath test indicated a blood alcohol level of 1.96%.
Minor injuries were sustained by a 35-year-old in the Neußen district of Belgern-Schildau (Nordsachsen) after losing control of his bike and damaging a wrought iron fence. Police located 2.32% alcohol in his breath. On Thursday night, authorities detected 1.74% alcohol in a 22-year-old who stood out for several reasons: she was cycling without lights, ran red lights, and displayed visible balance issues.
Currently, there are no explicit reports of major law enforcement or emergency response incidents specifically on Ascension Day in Saxony, according to publicly available sources. However, a unique event did take place on May 29, 2025, in Glauchau- the memorable debut of a special train service, the BR 23, which offered shuttle excursions for up to 400 participants.
In light of the chaotic Ascension Day events, it is evident that the community and employment policies in Saxony need evaluation, given the high occurrence of intoxication, violent behavior, and display of unconstitutional symbols. Moreover, the alarming number of criminal activities categorized under 'crime-and-justice' warrants further attention from political entities in the "general-news" sector.
