Exhibition about refugees in Saxony causes controversy in Pirna

The exhibition "It's not quiet in my head" about refugees in Saxony, which was removed from the Pirna district office shortly after it was set up, can now be seen in the town as part of Intercultural Week - in the monastery church. "We Christians stand up for those who are often the weakest and are not listened to," wrote Father Vinzenz Brendler on the Catholic community's website. "Giving these people a face and a voice with an exhibition is not only possible in a Christian community, it is also necessary."

Presentation in the spirit of the city ecumenism

The parish of St. Heinrich and Kunigunde also took on the presentation at the request of the city ecumenism. "We are aware that the topic of migration is currently being negotiated in a highly charged manner, has unanswered questions and is unfortunately also being heavily instrumentalized, often on the backs of the refugees themselves," it publicly stated as justification. "This is precisely why we believe it is absolutely necessary to let them have their say."

Despite the principle of human dignity, which is also enshrined in the German constitution, it can be observed "that people are verbally and physically attacked simply because of their appearance", wrote Pastor Brendler in his statement. Highly intelligent people and those born in Germany "are disparagingly defamed as 'foreigners'". The word becomes "without differentiation a catch-all for everything threatening and foreign; there is a lack of will to differentiate and differentiate".

Authority justifies step with complaints

After complaints from citizens, the district administration decided last week to take down the exhibition that had just been set up in the foyer, citing domestic authority. The reasons given were polarization and complaints about negative comments made by those seeking protection, resentment and unease among visitors and staff and a heated atmosphere. The action triggered fierce criticism in the city, district and nationwide.

Exhibition already shown at other locations

The touring exhibition organized by the Schwarzenberg Refugee Support Group has been shown at other locations in Bavaria since July 2023, including the state parliament, without any problems. It is intended to help break down existing prejudices against refugees in the population, inform and educate people about their concerns and fears and promote greater understanding and acceptance. The people portrayed talk about their lives in their home countries, their reasons for fleeing and their experiences when they first arrived in Germany.

Negative headlines from Pirna

The town of Pirna at the gateway to Saxon Switzerland has a mayor with close ties to the AfD, who recently made headlines by banning the rainbow flag from being flown at the town hall around Christopher Street Day, as in previous years. In addition to the right-wing image of the city and the region, there are also many committed people and networks that look after refugees.