Teltow-Fläming: A Location in Germany - Attack with butyric acid near Mellensee polling station condemned.
At the polling site in the Am Mellensee area of Fläming, there was a suspected butyric acid incident on Sunday. Polling station supervisor Heike Sobota confirmed the news on Monday, saying a pungent, acrid smell was released from the spilled substance on the ground. State election officer Herbert Trimbach likewise referred to it as a "butyric acid attack" on the entrance of the polling station for the European and local elections. The local police initially denied the liquid was butyric acid.
In Sobota's opinion, the attackers likely aimed to disrupt the election. Access to the ballot boxes was restricted for citizens, who had to find an alternative route into the community administration building through open window panes. As she mentioned, "We had to make do with what we had."
Butyric acid is a colorless, foul-smelling liquid that can cause irritation to the skin and mucous membranes. Breathing in the fumes can also harm the respiratory system.
The incident was found by the deputy election official around 6:15 am on Sunday morning, prior to the opening of the polling stations, according to the election official's report. The police considered the occurrence. The criminal police are investigating, as the police directorate spokeswoman announced. Attempts were also made to clean the stones, Sobota revealed on Monday afternoon. "The smell is still there, but it's starting to fade."
In the local community council elections for Am Mellensee's 7,100 residents, the Independent Voters' Association came out on top, with the AfD and CDU following. For the European election and the district council vote, the AfD had the most support.
State Election Commissioner for Municipal Elections, Brandenburg 2024 State Election Commissioner for European Elections, Brandenburg 2024
