Possible attack risks at CSD in Bautzen: What's the likelihood of right-wing violence?
In recent months, Germany has seen a surge in anti-Christopher Street Day (CSD) actions, primarily from far-right and neo-Nazi groups who target Pride marches and LGBTQ+ events. This trend has created heightened tensions and security concerns at Pride events across the country.
The upcoming CSD in Bautzen, scheduled for August 10th, 2023, may face similar risks and opposition. Although there is no direct mention of this event in recent search results, the general trend of rising anti-LGBTQ+ hostility and far-right opposition at Pride events in Germany strongly suggests that similar risks are anticipated at Bautzen.
This escalation in anti-CSD actions is reflected in the Bundestag's decision to no longer allow the rainbow flag to fly above the parliament on CSD days, citing "neutrality" and treating the flag as a political symbol rather than a sign of diversity and anti-discrimination. This move symbolizes a decrease in institutional support, which may embolden anti-CSD actions.
Several CSDs have been scaled back or cancelled this year due to threats. For instance, the Tipsy Bear bar in Berlin was repeatedly attacked, with unknown individuals tearing down rainbow flags, setting them on fire, and threatening patrons with a baseball bat. In Brandenburg's Bad Freienwalde, suspected far-right extremists disrupted a planned event for diversity and tolerance, injuring at least two people.
Scientists have spoken of a "new generation of neo-Nazis" that feeds on hatred towards queer people. Established far-right actors, such as the Young Nationalists, the youth organization of the Nazi party Die Heimat, and the far-right splinter party Der Dritte Weg, are increasingly active against LGBTQ+ rights. New neo-Nazi groups like Jung und Stark (JS), Deutsche Jugend voran (DJV), or Deutscher Störtrupp (DST) have been founded with the explicit purpose of disrupting CSDs.
The police anticipate between 300 and 700 participants for the announced counter-protest at the CSD in Bautzen next Sunday. Last year, the largest anti-CSD demonstration took place in Dresden, with around 120 participants. In Rostock, two intoxicated individuals disrupted a memorial event for queer Nazi victims. In Berlin, a man attacked Café Romeo and Juliet, hurled anti-LGBTQ+ slurs, and injured the owner with a glass bottle. In Emden (Lower Saxony), a 31-year-old was punched in the face on the sidelines of the CSD.
Cemas and Democ report an attack in Fulda: a right-wing extremist tried to attack a CSD participant with an iron bar, which the police prevented, and three officers were injured in the ensuing scuffle. In another incident, two juveniles tried to attack participants of the "Marzahn Pride" in Berlin.
Joe Düker, an expert on right-wing extremism, warns against interpreting a possible decrease in protests as a sign of relief, as the scene still poses a threat, especially at smaller CSD events. He predicts that it remains unclear whether the large right-wing anti-CSD protests from last year will be bigger or smaller this year.
While the situation is concerning, it's crucial to remember that Pride events are a celebration of diversity and unity. Regardless of these challenges, the LGBTQ+ community and its allies continue to stand strong, advocating for their rights and promoting a culture of acceptance and inclusivity.
- The CSD in Bautzen, planned for August 10th, 2023, might face similar risks and opposition, given the increasing anti-LGBTQ+ hostility and far-right opposition at Pride events in Germany.
- Recent search results do not mention the upcoming CSD in Bautzen, but the trend of growing anti-LGBTQ+ hostility suggests similar risks are anticipated.
- The Bundestag's decision to no longer fly the rainbow flag above the parliament on CSD days symbolizes a decrease in institutional support, which may embolden anti-CSD actions.
- Several CSDs have been scaled back or cancelled this year due to threats, with incidents involving attacks on LGBTQ+ individuals, venues, and events.
- New neo-Nazi groups, like Jung und Stark (JS), Deutsche Jugend voran (DJV), or Deutscher Störtrupp (DST), have been founded with the explicit purpose of disrupting CSDs.
- The police anticipate between 300 and 700 participants for the counter-protest at the CSD in Bautzen next Sunday, with smaller counter-protests causing disruptions and injuries in other cities in the past.
- Despite the concerns and challenges, the LGBTQ+ community and its allies continue to celebrate their diversity, stand strong, and advocate for their rights, promoting a culture of acceptance and inclusivity.
