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Violence at Ostkreuz: Suspected right-wingers brutally attack journalists!
Attack on journalists in Berlin: Two victims were chased and attacked at Ostkreuz by suspected right-wing extremists. Investigations are ongoing.
Violence at Ostkreuz: Suspected right-wingers brutally attack journalists!
A brutal attack took place in Berlin-Friedrichshain last Saturday, putting the spotlight not only on the local community but also on media coverage of the escalating violence by right-wing extremists. At around 11:20 p.m., two people, a 25-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman, were attacked at Ostkreuz train station by a suspected group of right-wing extremists. This group of twelve harassed, beat and kicked the two victims after they got off a train. It is noteworthy that the two victims were identified as journalists who documented the events surrounding a right-wing extremist counter-demonstration during Christopher Street Day in Bautzen. According to Tagesschau, the attack was probably not a coincidence, as the attackers probably knew who they were attacking.
The police were then able to arrest twelve people, including eight men and four women between the ages of 17 and 46. Curiously, however, these detainees were later released. The investigation into breach of the peace was initiated by the State Police. The affected journalists refused medical treatment, raising questions about the severity of their injuries.
Right-wing extremist mobilization in Berlin
These incidents are part of a larger event in Berlin, where a right-wing counter-demonstration against Christopher Street Day also took place on the same day. Despite registration for 400 participants, only around 30 to 50 neo-Nazis showed up. At this demonstration, six people were arrested at Alexanderplatz, including the person who registered the counter-demo and Julian M., a known ringleader of the “Deutsche Jugend Voran” group, which is classified as right-wing extremist by the Berlin Office for the Protection of the Constitution. Tagesspiegel reports that these arrests took place within the framework of a weapons ban zone and that proceedings were initiated against several people for insults and violations of the weapons law were.
The political situation in Germany, especially with regard to the AfD and its influence on society, also reflects the threat that journalists are exposed to. According to a study by the European Center for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF), media professionals are increasingly experiencing physical attacks and threats, especially at public events. A dangerous climate has developed that does not stop at those who report critically. In Berlin in particular, there has been a worrying increase in attacks on journalists, for example in connection with pro-Palestinian demonstrations. MDR emphasizes that such attacks not only undermine freedom of the press, but also trust in journalistic work.
Last week demonstrated once again that the fight against right-wing extremist violence and the defense of press freedom is no easy undertaking. It remains to be hoped that such incidents do not determine normality and that society stands together to promote peaceful coexistence.