Leipzig – It is supposed to be a peaceful, colorful festival. But organizers and police fear threats and attacks from right-wing extremists at the “Christopher Street Day” (CSD).
After last weekend in Bautzen the participants were besieged by counter-demonstratorsthe police are now reacting.
Because: Parallel to the CSD on Saturday in Leipzig, a right-wing extremist event was also registered. As police spokesman Olaf Hoppe explains, the danger situation has changed as a result.
Organizers warn CSD participants
Police President René Demmler assures: “As Leipzig police, we are experienced in dealing with large-scale operations – it is clear that the CSD in Leipzig will be protected on Saturday.”
Emergency services from several federal states have been called in; water cannons, helicopters and police buses with loudspeaker systems are on standby. Several hundred officers are also being sent.
Nevertheless, the CSD organizers warn: “Please be careful, especially around Leipzig Central Station.”
Right-wing extremists are meeting there under the motto “proud, German, national”. Up to 1,000 participants are expected. There are also three counter-demonstrations by the action alliance “Leipzig takes a seat”. This will also take place in this area.
The organizers advise: “It’s best to come to Augustusplatz in groups.” The Leipzig CSD parade starts there at around 11:30 a.m. The procession later culminates in a street party.
This is the CSD route
From Ostplatz, the participants move along Straße des 18. Oktober, past Bayrischen Platz to Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz, across the market, through Reichsstraße to the inner city ring and past the main train station and back to Augustusplatz.
Die police warns that there may be short-term traffic restrictions. These would be mainly limited to the inner city area.