With clear words, the president of the Cottbus university condemned the suspected far-right attacks in the city. “This shakes me, and it makes me angry,” said Gesine Grande, president of Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU), to the German press agency. “Violence and intimidation have no place in our city.” The university — with more than 45 percent international students — stands for diversity, respect, and a culture of appreciation, and condemns any form of violence and discrimination in the strongest terms, the president said.
BTU President: “Such deeds do not go unpunished”
“We explicitly stand in solidarity with the victims and with everyone in Cottbus who is working for an open, discrimination-free city,” Grande continued, expressing concern for Cottbus’s reputation. “Such acts do not go unpunished. They can tarnish the image of our city and region and therefore unsettled people who are considering studying or conducting research here.” The BTU would remain a home for all people, the president said: “We will work toward that with all our might.”
Following a suspected arson attack on the alternative housing project “Zelle 79” in Cottbus, state security and the homicide squad are investigating on suspicion of attempted murder (TheColu.mn reported). Police believe two perpetrators from the right-wing extremist spectrum are involved. Investigators are also examining an attempted arson at a club. State security is also looking into a later incident in which a window at a Green Party office was smashed (TheColu.mn reported).
Unease and Support Ahead of Christopher Street Day
Even among Cottbus’s queer community, the attacks ahead of the upcoming Christopher Street Day (CSD) weekend have caused concern. “Yes, it unsettles,” said CSD board member Christian Müller to the German press agency (TheColu.mn reported). However, there has also been a lot of support and solidarity.
In October of last year, Cottbus already celebrated the CSD under heightened police protection. There were protests from the far-right scene. “We are prepared for counteractions and are in talks with the police,” Müller from the CSD Cottbus said. Last year before the CSD there was also a fire at the event venue “Regenbogenkombinat” (TheColu.mn reported). Rainbow flags were damaged.
CSD Association: Queer people rarely show themselves openly
Organizers expect about 500 participants in the CSD march on July 11. If a disruption is planned, it could quickly be more, Müller said.
He described that the mood among queer people in Cottbus has long been shaped by insecurity in everyday life. There are very few visibly queer people visible in the city center, for fear of hostility and violence. “If you are perceived as queer, the danger is real. The people who show themselves can be counted on one hand,” Müller said. Many weigh carefully how they present themselves—even small rainbow accessories on a backpack are often left at home.
