CSD in Zwickau runs smoothly despite right-wing protests

Accompanied by protests from far-right groups, hundreds of people celebrated Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Zwickau. According to the police, it remained largely peaceful. The police had prepared intensively for the event in Zwickau. Parallel to the CSD, the right-wing extremist splinter party III. Weg had announced a counter-event. In a statement, the police spoke of around 800 CSD participants. There was also initially talk of 150 counter-demonstrators. There were no known disruptions to the gathering until the scheduled end in the evening, according to the police.

In order to protect the CSD, a group of potential participants in the far-right parade that had arrived at the main train station was stopped and directed to the event location on Georgenplatz with sufficient time between them, the police reported. In addition, the route of the procession was almost halved.

Investigation proceedings for anti-constitutional symbols

In connection with the gathering, the police opened six investigation proceedings for the use of anti-constitutional symbols and two for insulting others, according to the report. Seven violations of the Assembly Act were also recorded. Around midday, there were reports on social networks that there had been a stabbing in the station suburb, the police reported: "This was a false report."

More than 450 emergency services on site

A total of 477 emergency services secured the gatherings, according to the information. According to a dpa photographer, two water cannons, a special armored vehicle and a helicopter were also deployed.

In August, the CSD in Bautzen was under police protection. A good 1,000 CSD participants were confronted by around 680 people from the right-wing scene. The police initiated 14 criminal proceedings and seven misdemeanor proceedings. One case involved bodily harm, two cases involved incitement to hatred and one case involved the use of signs of unconstitutional and terrorist organizations.

Christopher Street Day takes place every year in many cities around the world and commemorates events on 28 June 1969 in New York: police officers stormed a bar on Christopher Street, triggering several days of protests by gays, lesbians and trans people, among others. The CSD is intended to commemorate their rights.