Protests against the right: Dresdeners warn: “Never again war”

protests against the right
Dresdeners warn: “Never again war”

More than 3000 people form a human chain in the center of Dresden in the evening. Signs for peace and reconciliation are also set in other places in the city. In addition, hundreds more are protesting against a right-wing extremist elevator.

Silent memories, loud protests and a clear message: Dresden commemorated the destruction of the city in the Second World War 77 years ago and all the victims of war and violence. Traditionally, representatives of the Free State, the city and civil society laid wreaths at the resting places of the dead of the air raids of February 13, 1945 and the days thereafter. White roses were laid at memorial sites and many candles were lit. Hundreds of demonstrators protested against a procession by neo-Nazis, and with the traditional human chain in the evening, Dresden sent out a warning to the world: “Never again war”. It should be heard by those “who have power over soldiers and weapons these days,” said Mayor Dirk Hilbert, referring to the Ukraine crisis. “Peace cannot be taken for granted, but is all too often fragile.”

Among other things, the dead were commemorated in the North Cemetery.

(Photo: dpa)

“With regard to the destruction of Dresden, we must not only look back to 1945, we must broaden our perspective to the period between 1933 and 1945,” warned Mayor Hilbert beforehand at the graves of victims of the bombing raids in the northern cemetery. The causes of the war and its effects in other parts of Europe should also be considered.

Saxony’s Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer is also “extremely” concerned about the deployment of troops in Russia on the borders with the Baltic States and Ukraine. “We want everything to be done to ensure that there is no armed conflict,” he said. “Here in Dresden we know how terrible the consequences of such a war are.” War always calls for victims.

After a memorial service in the Kreuzkirche on the Altmarkt, Kretschmer joined the human chain. The city stated that the number of participants was over 3,000. Because of the pandemic, they could not hold hands, but were united by yellow ribbons, symbolizing the longing for peace and reconciliation. “For me, this ring around the city center is much more than just protection from nationalist fanatics,” said Hilbert. He is recurring proof “that we as a community stand for an open, democratic and versatile way of life”.

Bundestag President Bärbel Bas also recalled the destruction of Dresden. “Politics were repeatedly made about these dead people, about the devastating bombardment, about the suffering of those who escaped,” she said in her speech at the opening of the Federal Assembly in Berlin. That was already the case in the Second World War “and even more so afterwards”.

Hundreds protest against neo-Nazi elevator

At that time, hundreds of neo-Nazis in Dresden moved along a predetermined route from the train station to the old town and back. “The day has been peaceful and trouble-free so far,” said a police spokesman in the evening. The elevator to the sounds of Wagner music was secured by emergency services, as were counter-protests within sight and hearing behind barriers that prevented a direct encounter. Hundreds of demonstrators loudly opposed the march, which was accompanied by shouts of “Nazis out” at the side of the road. A helicopter circled over the area of ​​the Zwinger, Semperoper and Residenzschloss, and a water cannon and an armored clearing vehicle were also ready.

74261fcc-b55a-4546-8213-7bb73f3cfdaa.png

The human chain on the Neumarkt: commemoration and symbol for peace.

After the meeting, the police reported a symbolic blockade of the opening rally and individual counter-protest attempts to break through barriers. “Pepper spray was also used.” Investigations were initiated against a 21-year-old and a 27-year-old for breach of the peace, against a 24-year-old for resisting law enforcement officials.

Candles and flowers commemorate victims of violence

At the closed memorial for the victims of the bombing raids on the Altmarkt, people laid wreaths and flowers during the day, candles flickered at the Frauenkirche and small white silk roses also commemorated victims of terror and violence. With the human chain, in which ministers, mayors, MPs, scientists, but also students and families lined up, the city society defended itself for the 12th time against the appropriation of the day of remembrance by right-wing extremists.

The Saxon State Orchestra and the Dresden Philharmonic gave commemorative concerts in the evening, without applause and with a minute’s silence at the end. After an ecumenical peace service in the Kreuzkirche, the bells of all inner-city churches began to ring – as they do every year at the time of the first attack.

Almost three months before the end of the Second World War, Allied bombers had laid parts of Dresden in ruins on February 13, 1945 and in the days that followed. The exact number of victims could never be ascertained. According to a commission of experts, up to 25,000 people lost their lives and an area of ​​twelve square kilometers was completely destroyed.

source site-34