Large-scale protest featuring multiple injured individuals in Essen-Kray
In the heart of Essen-Kray, on Marienstraße, a far-right gathering took place on August 8. The event, which was organised by the "Heimat" group, also saw the unannounced "neighborhood walk" by the same group on the same day.
The peaceful counter-protests, organised by the "Essen stands against" alliance and an anti-racist citizens' alliance, attracted around 220 participants. However, the tranquility was shattered when participants of the right-wing event attacked counter-protesters upon departure.
The assault took a violent turn on a public bus at the Kiwittstraße bus stop, around 10:30 PM. Four individuals were injured in the incident, and they were swiftly attended to by emergency services.
Essen's Mayor, Thomas Kufen (CDU), has responded to the incidents, expressing his disapproval and condemnation. In a public statement, he stated that any form of harassment or attacks on demonstration participants will not be tolerated in Essen. He also emphasised that freedom of speech ends where the physical integrity of others is violated.
Kufen further condemned the actions of "Die Heimat" as right-wing extremist and divisive. He thanked the Essen police for their swift and decisive intervention, and for detaining the suspects on-site. Nineteen people were identified and processed at the scene.
Christian Baumann, spokesperson for the "Essen stands against" alliance, found the incident alarming and expected clear consequences to prevent similar incidents. He called for stronger measures to ensure the safety of all protesters in future events.
The building where the gathering occurred also houses the regional headquarters of the far-right party "Die Heimat". It is worth noting that the far-right youth organisations "Young and Strong" and "Heimatliebe" also use these spaces for regular info evenings.
The criminal police have initiated investigations, including for disturbing the peace. As of now, the reasons behind the attacks remain unclear, and the responses from local authorities to this incident are still being assessed. This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
Policies regarding public gatherings in Essen will likely undergo review following the incident on Marienstraße, where participants of a general-news event incited crime-and-justice by assaulting counter-protesters. The mayor, Thomas Kufen, has denounced the actions of "Die Heimat" as right-wing extremist and divisive, calling for stronger measures to safeguard the safety of all protesters in future political events.
