"Perceived as a lethal menace"
The city of Düsseldorf is witnessing a concerning increase in election poster vandalism, with far-right extremist symbols being used in several areas, including Unterbilk and its surroundings. This trend has raised concerns among political candidates, such as the Left Party's OB candidate, Julia Marmulla, who sees it as a shift to the right in society.
Marmulla's campaign posters have been defaced with crosshairs and swastikas in Bilk/Unterbilk, Fürstenwall, and the area of Konkordiastraße. The perpetrators appear to be confident in their actions, according to Marmulla, who considers the defacement a death threat and has decided to file a complaint.
The SPD and the Left Party have been particularly affected by the vandalism, with SPD Lord Mayor candidate Fabian Zachel's poster on the Reichsstraße being defaced with a black marker, a crosshair, and a swastika. Zachel finds the vandalism shameful and cowardly.
Despite the widespread presence of Greens' OB candidate Clara Gerlach's portrait, the party has not registered many cases of vandalism so far. The Greens report every case of vandalism, as stated in their political stance.
The connection house of the "Alte Hallesche Burschenschaft Rhenania-Salingia zu Düsseldorf" is located on the Reichsstraße, raising questions about potential connections.
In response, Düsseldorf police have stepped up patrols in vulnerable districts like Unterbilk, using both visible policing and surveillance cameras to deter vandalism. Authorities are investigating incidents of vandalism thoroughly, aiming to identify perpetrators and hold them accountable under laws against hate crimes and the use of forbidden symbols.
Local government and civil society in Düsseldorf are promoting awareness campaigns to educate about the dangers of far-right extremism and the importance of protecting democratic values. Authorities coordinate with election organizers to quickly repair or replace vandalized posters and ensure fair campaigning conditions.
The situation remains under close watch, with local authorities committed to preventing escalation and safeguarding democratic processes from extremist disruptions. The 2025 local elections in Düsseldorf are scheduled for over six weeks from now, and train traffic between Duisburg and Düsseldorf is flowing again.
Meanwhile, "Pure Pastry" has opened a second branch, offering a sweet escape from the political tension for the city's residents. As the election campaign unfolds, candidates and residents alike are urged to stand united against extremism and uphold the principles of democracy.
Julia Marmulla, the Left Party's OB candidate, has reported that her campaign posters in areas like Bilk/Unterbilk, Fürstenwall, and Konkordiastraße have been defaced with hate symbols, such as crosshairs and swastikas. This incident, coupled with the vandalism of SPD Lord Mayor candidate Fabian Zachel's posters, has raised concerns in the realm of politics and general-news, as well as crime-and-justice, due to the use of extremist symbols and potential threats.
