Protests in Salzwedel: Antifa demo, despite the opponent

Protests in Salzwedel: Antifa demo, despite the opponent

Salzwedel, Deutschland - in Salzwedel was July 5th a day on which the streets filled with people who wanted to set a clear sign against the right. From 2:30 p.m., around 220 participants gathered at the train station to follow the motto "Antifa against the right pressure". The police were extensively secured the peaceful demonstration, which should prove to be an important measure to prevent possible conflicts.

The planned elevator led via Ernst-Thälmann-Straße and the town hall tower square to Altperverstraße. The participants wore transparent and the move was accompanied by a loudspeaker car. But the symbolism of the demonstration was not only directed towards the sides of the protesters. As the Volksstimme , an incident occurred in the Kaufland, as people from the right spectrum, the demonstrators wanted to provoke, but this was prevented by the police.

course and police operations

A total of around 160 police officers were deployed to ensure security during the protest. The local police were supported by the Magdeburg State Readouts, the central emergency service and the traffic surveillance group of the Stendal police inspection. Larger riots failed to materialize during the course of the meeting. The police chief Tina Beck said positively and explained that the operational concept had been largely implemented.

However, there were some crimes. Three people are now being investigated for violations of the Sprensing Act after pyrotechnics have been ignited. There is also an investigation into an attack on a police officer who was threatened with an umbrella. An advertisement for the use of indicators of unconstitutional organizations was also given up after being confessed that forbidden slogans had been scanded.

Additional meeting and civic engagement

The day before, July 4, a spontaneous demonstration had also taken place under the motto "against fascism". This assembly, at which about 50 people appeared, was also without major incidents and was secured by the police. Nevertheless, like the city councilor Gabriele Gruner, participants expressed the left and other disappointment about the low participation of the Salzwedel population.

The commitment to the strengthening right -wing structures in the city is also reflected in the framework of the citizens' initiatives. Among other things, representatives of the initiatives "No CO2 end camps Altmark" and "Lüchow-Dannenberg" were visible. Lothar Lehmann from the citizens' initiative criticized the reactions of the state government and demanded more public interest, while other supporters emphasized the importance of commitment.

Overall, July 5 in Salzwedel was a day of the protest that made it clear that the citizens do not want to accept the current situation. This meeting and the measures of the police show how important it is to stand together in difficult times and to set clear signs. The police also showed a good hand, who despite temporary tensions had the situation under control and was able to prevent larger arguments. The continued reinforced police presence in the city gives hope that citizens can continue to feel safe in the future.