Nearly a year after the violent attack on the Democracy Festival in Bad Freienwalde in eastern Brandenburg, hundreds of attendees gathered for the revival to send a clear message of tolerance. The Minister for Social Cohesion, René Wilke (SPD), praised the increased turnout for the festival “Bad Freienwalde ist bunt.” The organizers were also satisfied. Police described the event as proceeding without incidents.
“What happened here last year was a very clear attempt to intimidate,” Wilke told the German press agency. “It was an effort to scare people and tell them you’re not welcome here. That attempt did not succeed — the people here make that clear; there are so many more of us now.” There must be no room for radicalism and extremism, nor violence against those who think differently.
A group of men, some wearing masks, attacked a rally of the coalition “Bad Freienwalde ist bunt” in June 2025 in the small town in the Märkisch-Oderland district. Political parties and initiatives described it as a right-wing extremist attack. The rally had many queer participants.
The state security service responsible for politically motivated crimes investigated. However, because there was not sufficient probable cause, the investigations against a 21-year-old former suspect were terminated. This led to enhanced police security for Sunday’s event.
The organizers expressed satisfaction. “We have received a lot of support,” said co-initiator Jule Grienitz. “More initiatives and groups are taking part.” On a stage there were speeches, music, dance and theatre as well as many information and participation stands.
