Police in Leipzig prepare for large-scale operation during Christopher Street Day

One week after the right-wing extremist protests at the CSD in Bautzen, the police are also preparing for a large-scale operation for Christopher Street Day in Leipzig. "Originally, we were expecting a big, peaceful, celebratory CSD that would radiate joie de vivre," explains police spokesman Olaf Hoppe. In fact, the events in Bautzen have "changed the day considerably in terms of the danger situation and its political dimension". A right-wing protest has also been announced in Leipzig.

According to the city, there will be a demonstration at Leipzig Central Station on Saturday under the slogan "proud, German, national". Between 400 and 1,000 people have been registered for this. The CSD will pass by with its large demonstration within earshot and sight. In addition, the alliance "Leipzig nimmt Platz" has registered several rallies under the motto "No place for Nazis".

It is difficult to estimate how many people will come to the CSD due to the changed situation this year, said spokeswoman Jasmin Gräwel. She expects a number between 10,000 and 20,000. All events are to take place as planned - even if there will be an increased and more visible police presence than usual at the central meeting place on Augustusplatz. The organizers hoped for understanding from the participants.

A week ago, the CSD in Bautzen in eastern Saxony was accompanied by right-wing extremist protests. More than 1,000 CSD participants faced a counter-demonstration of around 680 people under the slogan "Against gender propaganda and identity confusion!!!". The small right-wing extremist party Freie Sachsen had also called for a protest. The organizers cancelled the planned closing party for security reasons.

Meanwhile, the CSD organizers in Leipzig had received expressions of solidarity from all over Germany. Supporters had announced their attendance with the sentence: "This year even more so", said Gräwel. The Federal Government's Queer Commissioner, Sven Lehmann (Greens), also plans to come to Leipzig. "We will show together that we will not allow ourselves to be made invisible and that we will defend our rights and our dignity together," explained Lehmann.