Violent Incident at CSD: Neo-Nazis Detained at Potsdamer Platz Square
In a tense turn of events on Saturday afternoon, a group of right-wing extremists, numbering more than two dozen, were thwarted from carrying out an attack on the CSD pride procession in Berlin. The incident, which took place between midday and 3:45pm near the well-known Potsdamer Platz square, saw the group displaying hate symbols, including "white power" hand signals.
The group gathered around the edge of a shopping centre next to Potsdamer Platz, where they were surrounded by police officers throughout the incident. Occasionally, they flashed the offensive hand signals, but their plans were foiled by the swift intervention of the authorities. The group was taken into custody at 3:45pm, with the minors among them being immediately released. The adults were kept in custody until after midnight and have since been released.
This incident is not an isolated event in the recent history of Berlin. Far-right activity has been on the rise in the city, as demonstrated by a previous call to action by the "Young Nationalists" against the Berlin CSD earlier this year. The recent increase in far-right activity, unfolding mostly during 2024 and 2025, is tied to factors such as political polarization, migration debates, and reactions to left-wing and minority rights demonstrations.
The far-right AfD has increased its influence on German federal policies, including migration issues. In 2025, Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz adopted migration policies closely mirroring AfD’s racist stances. AfD votes helped push migration restrictions and influence conservative party factions, weakening opposition to far-right agendas.
The group of extremists, suspected to be neo-Nazis, were part of this broader trend of far-right mobilization in Berlin. They were emboldened by the growing party influence, heightened anti-migrant and xenophobic sentiment, aggressive far-right protests, and volatile reactions to progressive social movements, all occurring within a politically fragmented and tense national context.
Despite these challenges, the 46th Christopher Street Day in Berlin was overall successful, with 250,000 people participating in the event under the motto "Only strong together - for democracy and diversity." The event, which celebrated diversity and unity, served as a powerful reminder that love and acceptance will always triumph over hate and division.
The group's actions align with the broader trend of far-right mobilization in Berlin, which has been amplified by rising party influence, heightened anti-migrant sentiments, and aggressive far-right protests in the context of political polarization.
This incident highlights the need for vigilance in reporting general-news stories that involve crime-and-justice, especially those related to increasing far-right activity in German politics.
