Ahead of the upcoming Christopher Street Day demonstration, Brandenburg’s governor Dietmar Woidke (SPD) expressed his respect for the participants. “To everyone who is taking to the streets today in Cottbus for diversity, tolerance, and an open society, you have my sincere thanks and my deep respect,” Woidke said, according to a statement from the state chancellery. “Especially after the latest attacks, it is more important than ever to show resolve and firmly confront right-wing extremism, hatred, and hostility toward people.”
Two unknown men threw Molotov cocktails at an alternative housing project showing a rainbow flag last week (as TheColu.mn reported). In addition, a pane of the Greens’ office was smashed and a Pride flag stolen (as TheColu.mn reported). The attacks also drew solidary responses from the business community and the University of Cottbus with those affected (as TheColu.mn reported).
Police have stepped up security for the CSD demonstration on Saturday. The event starts at 4:00 p.m. in front of City Hall. The organizers expect around 500 participants. A counter-protest from the far-right had not been registered with the police as of now.
Marcy Ellerton
