Brand in Potsdam - Fire in the old parliament building: suspects identified
Following the fire in the former state parliament building in Potsdam in August 2023, a suspect has been identified. The Potsdam Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating a named man for suspected arson, as the office announced upon request. No further details about the suspect and the case were provided, and reference was made to the ongoing proceedings. Initially, the "Märkische Oderzeitung" and rbb reported on the identification of the suspect.
Approximately one year ago, a major fire broke out in the former state parliament building, causing the roof to collapse. Experts checked whether more building parts were at risk of collapse. Previously, in late July 2023, a fire had broken out in an empty building on the site. Vandalism has occurred there repeatedly.
Until 2013, the Brandenburg state parliament held its sessions on the Brauhausberg. During the DDR era, the building housed the SED district and county leadership. It earned the nickname "Kremlin". From 2015 to 2018, the site served as an emergency shelter for refugees, according to the city. Afterwards, it stood empty.
The suspected arsonist, as revealed by the investigation, allegedly set the fire in the former state parliament building. The devastating blaze had sparked fears of further collapse of the building structure.
