One week before Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Bremen, the planned parade route is on shaky ground. The Bremen CSD Association was informed on Saturday that the march route might need to be shortened because the police currently do not have enough resources to secure the entire route.
According to information brought to the association, other public entities might not assist the police with the necessary security barriers. The association could not confirm this conclusively, but it underscores concerns that essential security measures may not be provided to the required extent.
CSD Association Laments “Great Uncertainty”
“One week before the CSD, we find ourselves suddenly in a situation where our demo route may not be fully secured. That means a great deal of uncertainty for us as organizers about the planned sequence of the demonstration,” explained Robert Dadanski of the Bremen CSD Association. “We therefore now expect clarity as quickly as possible and a political solution.”
The association acknowledged that the police were doing everything within their means and resources to make the CSD safe. It noted that last year the parade route could only be secured with substantial effort. The possibility that a demonstration of this size might fail due to inadequate security is therefore a political failure. The Bremen Senate is being called upon to act.
Interior Minister Urged to Act
In this context, the association recalled a statement by Interior Senator Eva Högl (SPD) after the attack on the Berlin CSD. Högl had emphasized that “And therefore Bremen’s CSD on August 22 will have special significance and be even more important.” The senator and the whole Senate must now promptly position the police to secure the planned parade route, the Pride organizers argued. The execution of one of the largest political demonstrations in Bremen should not be jeopardized by missing resources.
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At the same time, the Senate must ensure that the police have sufficient technological security capabilities in the future to reliably safeguard events of this size. This includes especially appropriate measures for traffic and street security that reduce the demand for personnel while still enabling a safe execution.
“The CSD Bremen is a demonstration for the rights and visibility of queer people. A week before the CSD, we should not be left wondering whether we can use our planned route,” the association’s statement continued. “We expect the Senate to take responsibility—immediately for this CSD and structurally for the years ahead.”
Update
Update Reaction from the Interior Authority
The exact course of the CSD route will still be coordinated, the Bremen Interior Ministry said in response to requests from the press. According to Weser-Kurier and buten un binnen, the police have not yet decided on the length of the route.
“For safety at the CSD, the police deploy as many forces as the situation requires. This year’s CSD is highly significant, and it will be well protected,” said René Möller, spokesperson for the Interior Ministry. There are currently no concrete indications of a threat to Bremen’s CSD.
A possible adjustment of the route is part of normal planning and is not a sign of a security gap. The details of the security concept are generally not disclosed.
