- Around 1,000 politically motivated crimes in Brandenburg
In the recent European and local elections in Brandenburg, around 1,000 cases of party symbols or even representatives being targeted have been reported. This is according to the response from the state government to a minor inquiry by Left Party MP Andrea Johlige.
Number of politically motivated crimes has increased
Based on the information provided, this is recorded by the criminal police's crime reporting service in cases of politically motivated crime. As of July 7th this year, 75 politically motivated crimes against party members or representatives have been registered. Additionally, there have been 930 politically motivated crimes against election posters in this period. In 63 of these cases, both people and material were targeted. Four more cases were added in the context of elections and campaigns.
"The current number of politically motivated crimes in the context of elections has increased compared to the period of the 2019 local/European elections in the state of Brandenburg," the state government's response states. No specific comparison figures were given. "Due to an increased emotionalization in the population, this affects the entire country in relation to the elections."
Attacks to be expected in the future
Improvements do not seem to be in sight. "Given the upcoming campaign for the state election in Brandenburg, damage to and theft of election posters will continue to be the main focus of crimes. Such election-related crimes and attacks on election offices must also be expected in the future."
The police are doing everything necessary to protect politically engaged people and are pursuing crimes consistently. "However, it must also be stated that the protection cannot be guaranteed solely by the police and security authorities, but requires a joint societal effort," the government states in its response.
Racist attack
Recently, a racist attack on CDU politician Adeline Abimnwi Awemo during the state election campaign made headlines. Awemo was racially insulted and attacked while putting up her election posters in Cottbus. Born in Cameroon, Awemo has been living in Cottbus for over 20 years and holds German citizenship.
The increase in politically motivated crimes during the recent European and local elections in Brandenburg has extended to the 2021 local elections, as indicated by the state government's response. Moreover, the police have registered 75 such crimes against party members or representatives and 930 against election posters in the mentioned period.
