- Büttner: Security increased after attack on car
After the attack on his private car with carved swastikas, security measures to protect Brandenburg's antisemitism commissioner, Andreas Büttner, have been increased. The town of Templin, with a population of 16,000, has also offered a reward.
Büttner told dpa that there is an increased police presence in his hometown of Templin. He also mentioned that there are ongoing security discussions with the police. Additionally, the local authority has strengthened its evening patrol service in response to the attack, as Templin's mayor, Detlef Tabbert (BSW), told dpa.
Reward of 1000 Euros
The town has offered a reward of 1000 Euros for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators. Tabbert urged witnesses to come forward. Previously, the "Nordkurier" had reported on the reward.
Unknown individuals vandalized Büttner's car in the Uckermark town on Thursday evening last week, damaging it with symbols hostile to the constitution. The state criminal police office (LKA) has taken over the investigation and is aiming to track down the perpetrators.
Mayor: We won't tolerate this
"This was not a prank, but a clear antisemitic act. We will not tolerate this," said Mayor Tabbert. The spa town in the Uckermark district, known for its thermal baths, attracts over a million visitors a year. Former Chancellor Angela Merkel is also a daughter of the town of Templin and has been an honorary citizen since 2019.
Büttner said, "That this happened in my hometown makes me sad." He had initially covered up the deeply carved swastikas. The roof and tailgate were severely damaged. However, he stated that he would not be deterred. "Let no one be mistaken: we will not back down. This is an incentive to speak out even louder." In 2020, Büttner received a postcard from the far-right party Dritter Weg at his private address.
First Brandenburg Antisemitism Commissioner
Büttner, who was previously a Left Party MP, was elected as the first Brandenburg antisemitism commissioner in June. He wants to stand against the right-wing shift in society. He also plans to involve municipalities in an alliance against antisemitism, with a letter to mayors going out this week. For next year's 80th anniversary of liberation from National Socialism, a student competition is also planned.
The increase in police presence and ongoing security discussions with the authorities can be attributed to the concerns about extremism, given the recent attack on Büttner's car. The mayor, Tabbert, strongly condemned the antisemitic act and stated that they will not tolerate such extremism in their town.
