Berlin Far-Right Rally Thwarted by 2,000 Counter-Protesters, Police Intervene in Clashes
March 22, 2025
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