Berlin Far-Right Rally Thwarted by 2,000 Counter-Protesters, Police Intervene in Clashes

March 22, 2025
Berlin Far-Right Rally Thwarted by 2,000 Counter-Protesters, Police Intervene in Clashes
  • On March 22, 2025, a far-right demonstration titled 'For Law and Order: Against Left Extremism and Politically Motivated Violence' was organized in Berlin, initially expecting around 1,200 attendees, later revised to 2,000.

  • Approximately 850 individuals participated in the rally, while at least 2,000 counter-protesters gathered to oppose it, according to police estimates.

  • The demonstration was scheduled to officially end at 6:30 PM, but it was called off early due to the strong opposition from counter-protesters.

  • The counter-protesters successfully blocked the far-right group from advancing more than 200 meters, demonstrating significant community resistance.

  • After about four hours of minimal movement, the neo-Nazi march was concluded prematurely, with participants escorted back to their starting point.

  • Fifteen counter-protests occurred along the planned route, with hundreds blocking streets, leading to heated clashes and police intervention.

  • Traffic disruptions were reported in the Friedrichshain and Mitte districts due to the protests and police presence, affecting the planned route of the march.

  • Despite police scrutiny of an SS song played during the event, it was deemed not illegal due to a modified version being played, highlighting ongoing challenges in regulating hate speech.

  • The march was intended to proceed from Ostkreuz, passing notable locations like Frankfurter Tor and Rigaer Straße, a known stronghold of leftist activism.

  • In addition to Berlin, far-right activists mobilized in other cities such as Dresden, Frankfurt, and Munich, demanding stricter border controls and an end to military aid for Ukraine.

  • Around 1,500 police officers were deployed to manage the situation, with support from law enforcement agencies in Bavaria and Bremen.

  • Several arrests were made during the event for violations including displaying banned symbols and performing Nazi salutes, with three individuals expelled from the march.

Summary based on 7 sources


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