- Right-wing protests: Police deployment at CSD in Bautzen
Due to potential far-right disturbances, the Christopher Street Day (CSD) parade in the eastern Saxon city of Bautzen** is starting under heavy police presence. A police spokesperson confirmed this morning that appropriate forces are on site following an assessment of the situation.
Around 500 people are expected to participate in the 2nd CSD parade, starting at 2:00 PM. Simultaneously, a counter-demonstration against the CSD, titled "Against Gender Propaganda and Identity Confusion!!!", is planned, with up to 400 participants registered.
The far-right micro-party Freie Sachsen has also announced a protest with 30 to 50 participants. "The goal of the police deployment is to ensure a disturbance-free course of events," the police spokesperson emphasized, without providing details on the number of deployed forces.
Closing party cancelled for security reasons
Previously, the CSD organizers had cancelled a planned closing party, citing security concerns. "We cannot take responsibility for this and currently do not have the necessary resources to secure and protect this event accordingly," CSD co-organizer Jonas Löschau told the "Freie Presse" in light of the planned demonstrations by right-wing groups.
Löschau, who sits on the city council and county council for the Greens, advised CSD participants to only move around the city in groups during arrival and departure.
Saxon Minister of Justice shocked
Saxon Minister of Justice Katja Meier said she was shocked that an event had to be cancelled due to the tense security situation and strong far-right mobilization. "Hate and incitement against queer people are expressions of inhumane ideologies that have no place in our society," the Green politician emphasized.
The Christopher Street Day takes place every year in many cities around the world and commemorates events on June 28, 1969, when police raided the New York gay and lesbian bar "Stonewall Inn" in Christopher Street, sparking multiple days of protests by gays, lesbians, and transgender people. The CSD aims to remember the rights of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender, intersex, and queer people.
The CSD organizers made the unfortunate decision to cancel the closing party due to insufficient security resources, given the escalating situation and right-wing group mobilizations. The heavy police presence is crucial for ensuring a peaceful and disturbance-free Christopher Street Day parade, considering the significant far-right protests planned.
