CSD in Zwickau runs smoothly despite right-wing protests

Hundreds of people celebrated Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Zwickau, accompanied by protests from right-wing extremist groups. According to initial police reports, it remained largely peaceful at the beginning. 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. The police initially spoke of around 450 CSD participants and around 150 counter-demonstrators.

"In view of the recent events at past gatherings, our aim is to ensure that Christopher Street Day runs smoothly and peacefully. In addition, a direct clash of the various registered gatherings should be prevented," said police chief Dirk Lichtenberger. According to a dpa photographer, two water cannons, a special armored vehicle and a helicopter were deployed in addition to a large number of police officers.

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.