Police investigations after clashes at AfD rally in Fürstenwalde
The police are investigating after attacks on YouTubers at an AfD event. The actions of the emergency services are also examined internally.
Quick Look
- The police are investigating after attacks on YouTubers at an AfD event with Björn Höcke in Fürstenwalde.
- One of the criticisms is that the blogger who was attacked was sent off, but the alleged perpetrator was not.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
On Unity Day, a public AfD rally took place in Fürstenwalde with around 1,500 visitors.
The police are investigating attacks and arguments between visitors to an AfD event in Fürstenwalde and YouTubers. Internally, she also investigates criticism of the actions of the emergency services.
A blogger against right-wing extremism posted video footage of an attack against him online on Saturday. He complained that he had been sent off, but not the alleged attacker.
“The video is the subject of the investigation, we are looking at it,” said a spokesman for the East Police Department. “If criticism is expressed about police work, it will lead to an internal review.”
Numerous AfD supporters came together on Unity Day on Saturday in Fürstenwalde for a public rally, where Thuringia's AfD state chairman Björn Höcke spoke. The police spoke of around 1,500 visitors.
Dispute over video recordings triggered?
As the police wrote in a statement, a 23-year-old YouTuber who reported on the event was said to have been physically attacked and insulted. Previously, he is said to have taken “detailed photos” himself against the will of the accused.
A police spokesman said the day after the incident that the visitor to the AfD event, who was suspected of assault, had previously been filmed. According to previous findings, the YouTuber was asked to stop. Then the YouTuber was insulted - with reference to the crimes of the National Socialists. That's why a 38-year-old woman is being investigated, as the spokesman said. Her companion is then said to have hit the YouTuber. Civilian police intervened.
YouTuber was no longer allowed to sit with AfD supporters
For his protection and to prevent further crimes, the YouTuber was ordered not to enter the square with the AfD meeting, said the police spokesman. No expulsion was issued against the alleged attacker. He was allowed to attend the AfD meeting again because no “confrontational potential” was to be expected.
The YouTuber, however, described the police's behavior as incomprehensible. “The man who attacked us is still allowed to be at the event. No words for it!” it said on Instagram.
Further assault charges
Another physical altercation broke out on Saturday during an AfD demonstration through the city of Fürstenwalde. Another YouTuber is said to have been physically attacked, the police said. The accused also filed a counter-complaint alleging bodily harm against the YouTuber.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The East Police Department is reviewing police actions internally
Very likely · Within days
Open Questions
- What conclusions does the police draw from the internal audit?
- How are the investigations against the accused continuing?
