Berlin in danger: Right-wing violence is increasing alarmingly!

Berlin in danger: Right-wing violence is increasing alarmingly!

A worrying trend is becoming noticeable in Berlin: the number of right-wing acts of violence is increasing and is increasingly perceived as commonplace. According to a report by Moabit helps There were 246 right-wing crimes in Lichtenberg alone in the first half of 2024 - an increase of almost 70% compared to 2022. It is obvious that this development is also placing a heavy burden on Berlin society.

But that's not all. Between 2009 and 2021, 72 right-wing political attacks were documented in the Neukölln complex, including at least 23 arson attacks. This information comes from multiple sources such as Daily Mirror and NSU Watch. The case of Ferat Koçak, a left-wing politician who survived an arson attack in 2018, is particularly shocking. The perpetrator or perpetrators were already known to the Office for the Protection of the Constitution. This bleak record is complemented by acts such as the murder of Burak Bektaş in 2012 or the murder of Luke Holland in 2015, in which the right-wing motive for the crime was not clearly determined - even if the evidence appears clear.

Fear of right-wing violence

Fear and uncertainty shape the lives of many Berliners. The research also shows that there were over 1,700 reported anti-queer crimes in 2023. In the context of these worrying statistics, the attack on the Gay Museum in Berlin-Tiergarten, in which shots were fired at window panes, was particularly noticeable. In addition, the RuT lesbian housing project experienced an arson attack in 2023, underscoring the danger to marginalized groups.

The Berlin register notes that after Pride Month 2023, rainbow flags were stolen or damaged in all districts. This is evidence of a problem for society as a whole that is expressed not only in brute violence, but also in a culture of hatred that is directed against various minorities.

Demands on the Senate

The affected groups and fellow campaigners are demanding clear public words from the Berlin Senate against right-wing violence. A safe space must be created that includes protective measures for those affected and solidarity-based institutions. The investigation of right-wing networks, even within state structures, is also crucial. Reliable funding for organizations that work against right-wing violence is essential in order to actively counteract racism, anti-Semitism and queer hostility in administration.

In summary, the situation in Berlin is more serious than ever. Active warnings about right-wing violence are often ignored by the authorities, which plunges those affected and those involved into a constant fear of aggression. It is high time for an effective, joint approach to make life in the capital safer for everyone.