Law enforcement dismantles extensive counterculture community in Harz
This group, who have a soft spot for nature, just want to chill around a campfire. Unfortunately, they decide to set up camp in a wildlife reserve, which doesn't sit well with German law enforcement.
Police had to intervene and disperse a large gathering in the Harz on Monday morning, allegedly organized by hundreds of members of the so-called "Rainbow Family," as reported by NDR. The intervention prevented a large fire from being lit in the forested wildlife reserve to celebrate the full moon and their gathering.
"The risk of a wildfire is real, despite the recent rains," Göttingen's security officer Marlies Dornieden warned on Monday evening. The County Administrator Dr. Alexander Saipa added, "Camping in the wildlife reserve is strictly prohibited. This applies to everyone, including followers of the 'Rainbow Family'." Unfortunately, not all participants heeded the warnings.
The county of Goslar had already announced a major operation over the weekend. Hundreds of police officers were deployed to persuade the peaceful but determined group to leave the area. Vehicles parked in the wild were towed away, and tents were removed.
"Leave no trace"
The evacuation proceeded mostly without incidents, but many of those involved were not willing to leave the camp voluntarily. In the end, law enforcement had to physically remove several participants. Prior to this, the county had attempted to find a mutual solution, but the talks were unsuccessful.
According to media reports, many of those gathered in the forest did not see themselves as a threat to the forest. A participant quoted in the "Harzkurier" said that the fireplaces were well-secured and that there was a large water supply.
A person interviewed by the "Bild" newspaper also expressed surprise at the police operation: "Every newcomer receives an instruction, private fires are forbidden." The usual large fire would be replaced by a smaller one. Another participant told "Bild": "We love nature, we leave no trace. Because we take not only our own waste, but also the waste that has been there for a long time."
Followers of the "Rainbow Family" meet once a year at a secluded location. The movement originated in the USA, where thousands often gather at these events. Their decentralized structure often leads to friction with authorities, as they cannot find any contact persons or responsible individuals to address.
Despite the group's emphasis on leaving no trace and responsible fire practices, setting up camp in a wildlife reserve violates German law. To prevent environmental damage and potential wildfires, the authorities took necessary measures to ensure the protection of the environment.
