CSD in Brandenburg: Police increase security measures after attack

CSD in Brandenburg: Police increase security measures after attack

In light of recent events, there is noticeable tension in the cities of Brandenburg and North Rhine-Westphalia ahead of the upcoming Christopher Street Day (CSD) events. After a right-wing extremist attack in Bad Freienwalde, the police are increasing security measures for the upcoming CSD celebrations, while the largest event in North Rhine-Westphalia is about to take place in Cologne.

The CSD weekend is just around the corner and CSD events are planned in several places such as Bad Belzig, Neuruppin, Luckenwalde and Bernau. But after the incidents in Bad Freienwalde, in which at least two people were slightly injured, police chief Oliver Stepien spoke out and spoke of a “new quality” of the attack. To ensure the safety of participants, the police take into account various factors such as the number of participants, the venue and possible disruptions. A counter-protest has even been announced for the CSD celebrations in Bernau, which will take place at the same time. n-tv reported.

Right-wing threat in view

The organizers of the CSD events in North Rhine-Westphalia are also on alert. Due to hostility from the right-wing extremist and Islamist spectrum, they have increased their security precautions. In May, the CSD in Gelsenkirchen even had to be canceled at short notice due to an “abstract threat situation”. In Essen, where the “Ruhrpride” is organized, the organizer Sabrina Reznizek is combative: “We will not allow ourselves to be intimidated and will stand up for our rights,” he said WDR.

The security measures in Essen include not only the police, but also a professional security service and incognito stewards during the demonstrations. A look at the last few years shows that there have already been attempts by right-wing extremists to disrupt the Essen CSD, but they were identified early on and expelled from the square. There will also be a counter-demo in Mönchengladbach under the motto “Loud against gender madness”, to which around 200 participants from the right-wing spectrum are expected.

Cologne in focus

The situation is being monitored particularly closely in Cologne, as “ColognePride”, the largest CSD event in North Rhine-Westphalia, is taking place next weekend. Event manager Martin Hommel expects around 240 cars and over 60,000 participants. Here too, the security presence is being increased significantly - the costs for security measures have even increased twenty-fold since 2017. Several hundred officers will be on duty to protect the celebrations. So far there is no evidence of planned counter-demonstrations or disruptive actions in Cologne, which eases the situation somewhat. WDR reports on the extensive preparations.

The security situation and rising costs put the organizers in a precarious situation; They may need to intervene in the program to invest more money in protection. So it remains to be seen how the situation develops during the CSD celebrations.

Overall, it is crucial that confidence and security go hand in hand so that the CSD has space as a place of joy and celebration for everyone, without being threatened by right-wing extremist attacks. Mirror has further details on the circumstances and security surrounding the CSD events.