Right-wing radical demonstration in Friedrichshain: Massive counter-protests await!

Right-wing radical demonstration in Friedrichshain: Massive counter-protests await!

A right-wing coalition is planning a controversial demonstration this Saturday through Friedrichshain, a district of Berlin known for its alternative scene. This action, which has the motto “For law and order: against left-wing extremism and politically motivated violence,” is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. at Ostkreuz train station and lead via Belt Street to Frankfurter Allee. A route through the notorious Riga Street was originally planned, but this was adjusted based on police recommendations. The march is organized by the newly founded “Aktionsbündnis Berlin”, which distances itself from the extreme right, but remains unclear to what extent there are connections to such actors tagesspiegel.de reported.

Mobilization for the demonstration has drawn mixed reactions as the far-right group struggles to attract participants. According to the police, originally only 100 participants were registered, but now 1,000 participants were registered. It remains unclear whether this number will actually be reached. However, the announcement has activated the anti-fascist and left-wing scene, which has responded with numerous counter-protests. More than twelve rallies have already been registered in Friedrichshain, and an “action alliance against the Nazi march” is planning to block the procession. These alliances are made up of various left-wing groups who, despite ideological differences, work together to confront the perceived provocations of the right-wing extremists, such as taz.de described in detail.

Among the organizers are names such as former AfD politician Ferhat Sentürk and Jannick Giese, who are said to have connections to neo-Nazi groups but publicly distance themselves. Despite this distancing, reports have emerged showing that members of neo-Nazi organizations are supporting the protest on social media. The success of the right-wing extremist demonstration seems to be questionable due to the overwhelming resistance from the left-wing scene. Both sides are already in the starting blocks to maintain their positions on Saturday.