Tensions Rise As Right-Wing Extremists March Through Berlin

Police are on high alert in Berlin-Friedrichshain today as about 1,200 right-wing extremists, primarily Neonazis, are set to march through the district, which is known for its left-leaning alternative culture. With an estimated 1,500 police officers deployed to manage the situation, including reinforcements from Bavaria and Bremen, tensions are running high as counter-demonstrations are planned.

As of now, a gathering of what appears to be over 100 Neonazis has already convened at S-Bahnhof Ostkreuz, where the demonstration is set to start at 1 PM. The event, titled “Für Recht und Ordnung. Gegen Linksextremismus und politisch motivierte Gewalt” (For Law and Order. Against Left-Wing Extremism and Politically Motivated Violence), marks the third such event in the past few months, and this time organizers expect significantly larger participation than in previous marches.

On February 22, about 150 Neonazis participated in a similar march, while only around 60 showed up in December of last year. Police have reported that several counter-demonstrations, numbering at least 10 and involving over 2,000 participants, have been organized in response.

Florian Nath, a spokesperson for the Berlin police, said in a video message on the social media platform X: “We never protect the content of any assembly, only the reason for the assembly itself—freedom of assembly.” He called on participants to remain peaceful, stressing the need for calm amid potential clashes.

This year’s march will route through key locations including Frankfurter Tor, Frankfurter Allee, and the renowned leftist stronghold Rigaer Straße. Historically, this area has been a hotspot for left-wing activism and is seen as a territory at risk of provocation from the right-extremist demonstration.

Events like these often lead to confrontations. Last December, there was a reported attack by young right-wing extremists on SPD campaign workers, resulting in injuries and multiple arrests. The police have had to forcibly separate groups during previous demonstrations, indicating a heightened risk of violence for today’s event.

Initially, the right-wing extremists had planned a free march through the entirety of the Rigaer Straße. However, recent police assessments have restricted their movement in that area, which may curb some of the potential for conflict.

The polemic surrounding today’s events is intensified by the involvement of various right-wing youth groups from across the nation, often identified as neo-Nazis and hooligans. Ferhat Sentürk, the organizer of today’s demonstration, previously served as an AfD local politician from Aachen. He has attempted to promote what he deems a “civil” image for the movements—though many engage in openly provocative behavior.

Nicknamed by some as the “personal security” for the event, Kranz, the singer from the notorious right-wing band Kategorie C, is also scheduled to perform, emphasizing the event’s cultural aspects tied to music and ideology. Police stated that performances are permitted at such gatherings unless they predominantly feature expressions that could contravene the law regarding hate speech.

As members of the far-right gather publicly in Friedrichshain, a counter-rally has been organized at the nearby Technoclub About Blank. Activists from various anti-fascist groups are expected to attend, attempting to drown out the right-wing march with music and chanting in solidarity. Activists from the Zentrum für Politische Schönheit are also expected to participate, further mobilizing opposition against the right-wing groups.

Despite the tactical handling of the situation by police, many remain concerned about the potential for violence and public disorder during these demonstrations. As reported by the Berliner Morgenpost, onlookers have expressed discontent with the situation, especially regarding the challenges of managing two opposing groups in close proximity, and the ramifications it has on local residents and businesses.

Onlookers reported that a significant clash of ideologies is inevitable as these groups face off during the discussions which are akin to a cultural battleground. Moreover, police forces have been stretched thin, as many officers have been called in from planned leave to cope with the anticipated unrest. This added strain poses further complications for law enforcement.

In summary, tensions in Berlin are at a boiling point as right-wing extremists and anti-fascist counter-protests converge in Friedrichshain today. The eyes of the city—and indeed the nation—are on these developments as everyone waits to see how the day unfolds.