In Berlin, the streets echoed with tension as right-wing extremists attempted to march through Friedrichshain on March 22, 2025. The demonstration, organized under the misleading slogan "For Justice and Order. Against Leftist Extremism and Politically Motivated Violence," attracted significant opposition from counter-demonstrators.
The march had been registered by the "Bürgerliche Allianz für Deutschland" and included participation from groups such as the "Deutsche Jugend Voran" (DJV), "Kampfbrigade Berlin," "Junge Patrioten Deutschlands" (JPD), and "Chemnitz Revolte." Local political figures, including an AfD politician from Brandenburg, were also involved in promoting the event. As part of the demonstration, the extremist band "Kategorie C" was scheduled to perform at Ostkreuz at 1 PM.
Despite the ongoing threat of violence, which had characterized previous demonstrations in the area—like those in December 2024 and February 2025—a large police contingent of around 1,500 officers was deployed to maintain order. Early in the day, law enforcement made several preemptive arrests, detaining 15 individuals by 2 PM for violating masking laws and displaying symbols associated with unconstitutional organizations. Three of these participants—even displayed a Siegrune tattoo and performed the Hitler salute—were subsequently held in custody by a judge.
When the march was initially set to kick off at 1 PM, it remained stationary for several hours due to extensive counter-protests. By around 4:15 PM, as tensions escalated, the right-wing group attempted to move but only succeeded in covering a minimal distance—just two hundred meters to a blockade at Markgrafendamm. Throughout the day, clashes erupted between participants from both sides as counter-demonstrators constructed sit-in blockades, which effectively disrupted the Nazis’ intended routes.
As the situation intensified, police intervened to manage the escalating confrontation. Eventually, the demonstration was called off early at around 5 PM, having failed to make any substantial progress. By this point, police confirmed at least 50 arrests, most of which were members of the right-wing group. They also noted multiple incidents of violence, including reported assaults on police and journalists.
On the other side of the equation, the presence of up to 3,000 individuals in 15 organized counter-demonstrations showcased a coordinated effort against the right-wing protestors. Groups such as "Ostkreuz bleibt bunt! Kein Platz für Nazis" and "Friedrichshain bleibt antifaschistisch" aimed to voice their dissent and protect the community from extremism. Participants displayed signs that read messages of solidarity, including “No foot of fascism here!” as they rallied against intolerance.
The day's events echoed a robust resistance movement, and Berlin’s left-leaning demographic mobilized to protect the values of tolerance and inclusivity. As chants and songs filled the air, the resilience of antifascist groups shone through despite the chaotic backdrop of the day. The organizers of the counter-protests called for continued solidarity against any form of extremism, reinforcing that they would remain vigilant in protecting their communities.
Police reported that their substantial presence was to ensure speeches and protests on both sides were conducted peacefully without any further incidents. As documented in previous demonstrations, the historical context of politically charged tensions in Berlin had returned to the forefront once more amid this day of division.
The events of March 22 serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle against right-wing extremism, highlighting the persistent need for vigilance and the importance of community action in safeguarding democratic values. With tensions simmering, it's clear that the battle between extremism and the principles of justice and equality is far from over.
