Opponents of the Corona measures are demonstrating in Dresden. Two journalists are attacked.
Dresden – Two journalists were attacked on Sunday evening (February 13, 2022) during an unannounced demonstration against the corona measures in the Laubegast district of Dresden. According to observers, right-wing extremists were among the demonstrators. Several commemorative events were held in Dresden on Sunday to mark the anniversary of the city’s destruction in World War II. The day has also been abused by neo-Nazis for years.
According to the police, several participants in the Corona protest action in Laubegast attacked the two journalists and their “escort”. Apparently, they used pepper spray against the attackers. The police initiated investigations into dangerous bodily harm – against the attackers and against the journalists. They stated on Twitter that they had been attacked with “numerous kicks, hits with various objects” – including a bicycle lock. It goes on to say: “We dial the emergency number. Now we are accused of a joint grievous bodily harm. Yes we!”
Neo-Nazi march in Dresden: Hundreds of counter-demonstrators try to prevent the elevator
The journalists are two reporters from vue.critique (Critical View), MDR reports. The two high school students from Dresden, who belong to the youth press in Saxony, have been accompanying demonstrations in Saxony for two years. According to the MDR, they were repeatedly subjected to violent attacks during the demonstrations. Vue.critique published a video of the attack on its own Twitter account. Attacks on journalists keep occurring at Corona demonstrations.
A neo-Nazi march took place in downtown Dresden on Sunday (February 13, 2022). According to their own statements, the police had to prevent clashes between right-wing extremists and counter-demonstrators. Hundreds of counter-demonstrators tried to “symbolically” block the elevator that had been registered by right-wing extremists. Some of them apparently tried to break through the police barriers. The security forces used pepper spray and initiated investigations into two participants for breach of the peace.
Demonstrations in Dresden: human chain to commemorate victims of the bombing
According to the city administration, more than 3,000 people took part in a human chain to commemorate the victims of the destruction of Dresden 77 years ago, including Mayor Dirk Hilbert (FDP). Spacer bands between the participants ensured the necessary distance to protect against infection. Overall, the human chain was four and a half kilometers long. According to the police, more than 1,800 officers were deployed in Dresden because of the demonstrations.
Around 25,000 people were killed in the air raids on Dresden by Allied bombers on February 13 and 14, 1945. Large parts of the historic old town were destroyed. (sne/afp)
