Peace prayer in Dresden: Jesus against violence and abuse of politics!

Peace prayer in Dresden: Jesus against violence and abuse of politics!

At the weekend, a conflict broke out in Dresden-Leuben, which once again caused waves in the city. Two 18-year-olds were injured after being attacked with beer bottles by two Tunisians. Police spokesman Marko Laske made it clear that the suspects did not act as harshly as was first suspected. “There was no evidence of piercing with broken bottles,” explained Laske. The suspects were temporarily arrested, but were not arrested because there were insufficient reasons for doing so. The background to the incident remains unclear, and a demonstration has already been announced by the right-wing group “Free Saxony” for Tuesday evening, which is directed against criminal foreigners.

In this context, Pastor Claudia Kneppler from the Protestant parish reacted and organized a peace prayer to take a stand against violence. “It is fatal when such conflicts are exploited politically,” said Kneppler, while around 30 believers took part in the service and prayed for peace. At the same time, over 500 people gathered for the Free Saxons demonstration, during which there were loud arguments with around 40 counter-demonstrators. Despite the heated atmosphere, the situation remained non-violent.

Demonstrations and right-wing extremist mobilization

The recent events are part of a larger context of right-wing extremist activity in Germany. According to the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, the violence-oriented potential of right-wing extremists has increased to around 15,300 people. This development cannot be ruled out given the ongoing mobilization and frequent demonstrations of the extreme right. In 2024, 360 right-wing extremist demonstrations were registered, further polarizing the social situation. In general, the number of right-wing extremist violence increased by 11.6% last year, which is a cause for concern.

A significant “peace procession” took place in Dresden in April 2025, organized by Marcus Fuchs and in which over 3,500 people took part. However, the event was not to be viewed uncritically, as it also attracted high-ranking representatives of the right-wing extremist scene, including NPD leader Michael Brück and other controversial figures. No criticism of Putin's campaign of conquest in Ukraine was voiced during the procession, raising concerns about how political instrumentalization works in such contexts.

Attacks and social tensions

The renewed violent clashes in Dresden are part of a series of incidents that make it clear that the situation between different social groups is more tense than ever. Attacks with a xenophobic background occur again and again. The increase in physical assaults and acts of violence, such as the current incident, raises questions about what actions need to be taken to bring communities together rather than further divide them.

The upcoming demonstration by the Free Saxons and the peaceful counter-actions show that society is positioning itself. It remains to be hoped that such initiatives can lead to better coexistence and less violence in the long term. At a time when social issues such as migration and globalization continue to heat up people's minds, it is all the more important to conduct peaceful and respectful dialogues and not to be guided by extremist positions.