CSD in Albstadt: For tolerance, but counter demonstrations and police deployment

Albstadt in the Zollernalb district showed its colors – colorful and harmonious. Around 400 participants wanted to be there at the premiere of the Albstadt CSD to demonstrate together for more openness and tolerance. The police were deployed with numerous forces and, according to their own statements, had to intervene.

Queer people no longer want to hide in Albstadt

Such events have long been a part of big cities. According to a spokesperson for the organizer, however, queer people have a much harder time in rural areas. He emphasized, however, that they no longer want to hide here either.

At the Albstadt Pride, around twice as many participants came together as expected, including several representatives from the church and politics. In various speeches, she advocated equal rights for all people – to frenetic applause.

Right-wingers demonstrate against Christopher Street Day

Meanwhile, the atmosphere at an announced counter demonstration was much more subdued. Under the motto “No to gender madness,” around 70 participants gathered just a few meters away, following the call of the right-wing extremist NPD successor party “Die Heimat.” The party had already called for this action nationwide days before.

Dressed primarily in black, some masked, wearing a peaked cap and sunglasses, they tried to convey their slogans against diversity and tolerance to the people on the side of the road.

According to a statement from the Reutlingen police headquarters early on Saturday morning, various streets had to be closed temporarily because of the counter-demonstration. According to the information, proceedings were initiated against a masked participant for violating the assembly law. “The existence of possible further violations is being investigated,” the police said in their statement.

Antifa marches unannounced through streets in Albstadt

Anti-fascist groups also demonstrated in Albstadt, albeit unannounced. They moved through the city even louder and kept the police busy. According to the police, around 250 people were arrested in order to separate them from the right-wing demonstrators.

Police use pepper spray and surround demonstrators

Accordingly, the emergency services also had to use pepper spray for a short time
“because the officers were being kicked by someone from the group,” the police said. In addition, around 60 people were “temporarily surrounded.” A 24-year-old woman reportedly tried to break through the barrier, but was “knocked to the ground” and was injured so badly that an ambulance was called. A 19-year-old was temporarily taken into custody, according to the police. Criminal proceedings have been initiated, the police said.