Chaotic Scene at Neo-Nazi Rally in Berlin: Multiple Arrests and Clashes
Law enforcement apprehend several individuals during a neo-Nazi rally in Berlin.
From the uncertain and tumultuous streets of Berlin, reports pour in of yet another neo-Nazi demonstration causing chaos and upheaval. This time, right-wing radicals intentionally provoked and marched through a progressive neighborhood in the city. Protests, scuffles, and arrests were the unfortunate result.
A staggering 15 participants were apprehended by authorities at this fateful gathering. They allegedly transgressed the ban on facial coverings or flaunted unconstitutional symbols, as a police spokesperson explained in the afternoon. Close to 850 people attended this controversial event in the Berlin district of Friedrichshain, with numerous counter-protesters in opposition.
Initial plans for the demonstration march were hindered due to protests and numerous sit-in blockades along the intended route, as the police spokesperson revealed. Several detentions among the counter-protesters were also reported.
Questionable Symbols and Salutes
Three participants in the right-wing demonstration were subjected to a court hearing for showcasing symbols of unconstitutional groups. One individual was discovered to have a banned swastika tattoo on their neck, while two others performed the infamous Hitler salute. The judge ordered their detention as a preventive measure.
The demonstration was orchestrated by Aachen AfD local politician Ferhat Sentürk, who initially expected 1,200 participants and later increased the estimated number to a potential 2,000. Although these numbers were not reached, approximately 850 people still joined the far-right march that carried the banner "For Law and Order. Against Left-Wing Extremism and Politically Motivated Violence."
Arrests Before the Demonstration Began
Berlin's police force was on high alert, accompanying both the far-right demonstration and the counter-protests with a substantial presence. Arrests began at the start of the neo-Nazi procession in Friedrichshain as some participants refused to abide by the ban on facial coverings.
Several hundred people vehemently protested against the neo-Nazi demonstration, according to the police. Around 1,500 officers were deployed to keep both groups apart. Due to the demonstrators traveling by train, federal police were also enlisted in large numbers. The area around Ostkreuz station was heavily secured.
Many blockades were set up along the planned demonstration route, with ten counter-actions announced. Participants carried signs bearing slogans such as "Not an Inch to Fascism!"
Unsurprisingly, the protests caused traffic disruptions in Berlin-Friedrichshain and Mitte. Numerous streets were closed due to the demonstrations, according to the traffic information center. The march was intended to commence from Ostkreuz, travel among other places past the Frankfurter Tor via the Frankfurter Allee, and eventually reach Rigaer Straße, where the left-wing scene is prominent. However, demonstrators were not permitted to traverse the entire street there.
A Persisting Pattern of Unrest
Berlin police spokesperson Florian Nath emphasized in a video on X: "We never protect the content of the assembly, but only the right to assembly itself." He also called on the participants: "Please remain peaceful."
This is the third demonstration by right-wing extremists since December 2024 under the same title "For Law and Order. Against Left-wing Extremism and Politically Motivated Violence."
In the past month, around 150 neo-Nazis participated in the march, while in December, there were approximately 60 participants, according to police reports. On both occasions, left-wing groups attempted to block the demonstrations, resulting in scuffles with the police and an unstable atmosphere.
[1] Berger, H. (2025, March 7). Berlin: Far-right demonstrations clash with police, hundreds arrested. Retrieved March 24, 2025, from ntv.de.
[2] Russ, K. (2025, March 7). Over 850 people participate in violent far-right demonstration in Berlin. Retrieved March 24, 2025, from afp.com.
[3] Unidentified (2025, March 7). Thousands block right-wing march in Berlin. Retrieved March 24, 2025, from tagesschau.de.
Enrichment Data:There is insufficient data to support a significant connection between these specific far-right demonstrations and the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. However, it's essential to acknowledge that the rise of far-right movements in Germany, such as the AfD, may create a breeding ground for such events.
The community policy in the city of Berlin may not have prevented the chaotic neo-Nazi rally that took place in Friedrichshain, as over 850 people attended despite the numerous counter-protests and blockades. According to reports, three protesters were subjected to a court hearing for displaying unconstitutional symbols, such as the use of a swastika and the Hitler salute. It is crucial to ensure that employment policies within the Berlin police force are sufficient to handle large-scale events like this one, to ensure the safety and rights of all citizens involved.
