Right-wing protests: Major police operation at CSD in Bautzen

The Christopher Street Day (CSD) demonstration in Bautzen in eastern Saxony will start with a large police contingent due to possible right-wing extremist disruptions. Following an assessment of the situation, appropriate police forces are on site, a police spokeswoman said this morning on request.

Around 500 people are expected to attend the 2nd CSD parade in Bautzen from 14:00. At the same time, a demonstration against the CSD is planned under the slogan "Against gender propaganda and identity confusion!!!". Up to 400 people have been registered for this.

The far-right micro-party Freie Sachsen has also announced a protest with 30 to 50 participants. "The aim of the police operation is to ensure that the events run smoothly", emphasized the police spokeswoman. She did not provide any information on the number of forces deployed.

Canceled closing party for security reasons

The CSD organizers had previously canceled a planned closing party - for security reasons, according to their own statements. "We cannot take responsibility for this and do not currently have the necessary resources to secure and protect this event accordingly," CSD co-organizer Jonas Löschau told the "Freie Presse" newspaper with regard to the planned demonstrations by right-wing groups.

Löschau, who sits on both the city council and the Bautzen district council for the Greens, had recommended that CSD participants only travel to and from the city in groups.

Saxony's Justice Minister shocked

Saxony's Justice Minister Katja Meier said that she was stunned that an event had to be cancelled due to the tense security situation and strong right-wing extremist mobilization. "Hatred and agitation against queer people are an expression of misanthropic ideologies that have no place in our society," emphasized the Green politician.

Christopher Street Day takes place every year in many cities around the world and commemorates events on June 28, 1969: police officers stormed the New York gay and lesbian bar "Stonewall Inn" on Christopher Street, triggering several days of protests by gays, lesbians and transsexuals. The CSD is intended to commemorate the rights of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender, intersex and queer people.