Activists disrupt Pistorius performance in Leipzig
In the Saxon state election campaign, SPD-top candidate Köpping discusses with prominence from federal politics. However, at the event with Defense Minister Pistorius, there were loud disturbances.
A Saxon SPD campaign event with Defense Minister Boris Pistorius was disrupted on a Monday evening in Leipzig. A police spokesperson confirmed that around 50 people had gathered before the event location. The "Tagesspiegel" reported 300 attendees. Pistorius intended to discuss with Saxony's Social Minister Petra Köpping, who is the SPD's top candidate for the state elections, during the event.
However, disturbances occurred within the event hall, and three people were expelled by security, according to the police. It was so loud that the event could not be carried out. The demonstrations against the SPD event were reportedly registered by the "Frieden schaffen ohne Waffen" group and the Alliance Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW), according to police.
The "Leipziger Volkszeitung" reported on massive disturbances. During the event, people reportedly shouted slogans repeatedly. Nearly came to physical altercations with attendees. According to the "Tagesspiegel," activists referred to Hamas as a "resistance group." They also called Pistorius a "war instigator" and a "hypocrite," holding him responsible for deadly attacks on people in the Gaza Strip.
According to the "Leipziger Volkszeitung," Pistorius emphasized that Israel has a right to self-defense. In response, he was reportedly heckled again. The event moderator asked both Pistorius and Köpping to engage with the activists in a dialogue.
"We don't hide," Köpping wrote on the platform X. "Unfortunately, there are people who want to prevent such discussions with all means. We won't let that get to us." The majority of attendees reportedly wanted a serious debate. This was then achieved, according to Köpping. The Saxon state elections are scheduled for September 1, 2024.
The disruptive protesters at the Saxony state elections event in Leipzig were reportedly affiliated with the "Frieden schaffen ohne Waffen" group and the Alliance Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW). Some protesters criticized Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, labeling him as a "war instigator" and a "hypocrite," referencing deadly attacks on people in Gaza Strip. Despite the disturbances, the AfD was not mentioned as being involved in these protests.
