Music as protest: 100 activists occupy Potsdam for refugee rights!

Music as protest: 100 activists occupy Potsdam for refugee rights!

On Friday morning, the construction site of the Federal Police Headquarters on the outskirts of Potsdam became the scene of a creative protest. Around 100 activists performed with instruments and formed a lively orchestra under the banner of “Lebenslaute”. This group is known for their unannounced concerts in unusual locations, bringing social issues into the spotlight. Their current motto, “With drums and trumpets against border fences and rockets”, makes it clear what this is about: a clear protest against the illegal rejections at the German external borders and the associated deportations of refugees.

With trumpets, cellos, flutes and a lot of commitment, the musicians played in front of the construction site for over an hour and a half, despite attempts by the police to confiscate the sheet music. On this day, well-known anti-racist songs such as “Borders” by Dota Kehr and “Leave no one behind” by Sechser were performed. These songs, which tell of social injustices, remind us of the power of music as an expression of protest, a fact that is also firmly anchored in the history of protest songs: from Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" to Bob Dylan's "Blowing in the Wind", they show how important music was and is for social movements. The ability of protest songs to mobilize communities and provide strength in difficult times is demonstrated time and time again – not just in the past, but also today.

The course of the action

The activists began their protest around 10 a.m. and quickly made a name for themselves. In the first few moments there were small scuffles with the officials, but in the end they were unable to prevent the performance. This type of musical protest, supported by the Center for Political Beauty, which was there with its “Adenauer SRP+” campaign bus, impressively shows that the protest sends a strong signal for the rights of refugees. During the breaks, the participants read a text over loudspeakers that called on the police officers to express their legal concerns and to exercise their “right to demonstrate”.

While the action was classified as a gathering, the police officers initially refrained from evacuating the area. Nevertheless, the musicians had to leave the area around 12.30 p.m. after their personal details had been recorded and they were threatened with charges of trespassing and violations of the assembly law. It should be emphasized that this is not the first time that “Lebenslaute” has protested in this way. The day before they had given a welcome concert for refugees in Eisenhüttenstadt, where they discussed the difficult conditions under which many people seeking protection have to live.

Art as active protest

The combination of art and social commitment is a proven means of drawing attention to grievances. Protest music not only has a long tradition, it is also very relevant today. As the musicians captured their message, they demonstrated that music is not just entertainment, but can also serve as a powerful tool for change. Using songs that address inequality and injustice amplify the voices of those who are often not heard. And that's exactly what makes such actions important: they give those affected a face and a voice.

Overall, it can be said that the artists are sending a strong message with their actions, especially in times when the discussion about refugee rights and asylum policy is more urgent than ever. Whether in Potsdam or elsewhere – the commitment to justice has many faces and always finds new ways to be heard.