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Right-wing extremist violence in Lauchhammer: Attacks on youth club shake region!
Unknown perpetrators wreak havoc on the youth club in Lauchhammer. Politically motivated attacks on alternative locations are increasing.
Right-wing extremist violence in Lauchhammer: Attacks on youth club shake region!
On the night of November 2nd, the outdoor area and entrance of a youth club in Lauchhammer were vandalized by unknown perpetrators. This is not an isolated case, but represents another worrying incident related to right-wing violence in the region. The damage to the youth club, which is located on John-Schehr-Straße and is named in honor of a communist murdered in 1934, is estimated at around 1,000 euros. The perpetrators left a trail of destruction behind: In addition to a broken window, the mailbox and several benches were also damaged.
A poisoned message
The attackers daubed the outside wall and the entrance door with signs that suggested a clear right-wing extremist background. Discovered abbreviations such as “JN” (Young Nationalists) and “Z BX” (threat “tick boxing”) suggest that this crime could be politically motivated. In recent months, stickers and graffiti from right-wing circles have accumulated in Lauchhammer, which are increasingly putting a strain on the city's social infrastructure.
The “Safe Places South Brandenburg” initiative, to which the youth club also belongs, is alarmed by these developments. Ricarda Budke, spokeswoman for the initiative, makes no secret of her concerns and calls for more protection for threatened places and consistent prosecution of right-wing violence. It is a worrying development that has been described as the “next level of violence”.
Regular attacks
The youth club, which is involved in the initiative together with institutions such as the Bunt-Rock and the Südclub, has already experienced several attacks in the past. These events are not only a cultural anchor point for the community, but also a target for attacks by right-wing extremist groups. In total, the initiative now has 20 to 30 members who support each other when attacks occur. In addition, a fund was set up for emergency aid to settle damage.
In the current situation it is clear that the willingness of right-wing groups in the region to use violence is increasing and that the specific needs of community centers and youth clubs are repeatedly ignored. Effective and resiliently organized institutions are necessary to counteract such attacks. They must reflect not only the extensive infrastructure, but also the values of the community in order to be able to assert themselves in a crisis situation.
At a time when safe spaces are more important than ever for all citizens, it is to be hoped that those responsible recognize the seriousness of the situation and take appropriate measures to protect the affected facilities. The prosecution of the perpetrators of this dark night can only be the first step in a long fight against right-wing violence that must ultimately strengthen the community.