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Extremist Threats Against Pride Event
In the eastern German town of Bautzen, far-right demonstrators protested violently against a Pride parade, shouting threats including "We'll get you all!" The event required heightened security due to Germany's growing trend of extremist violence targeting LGBTQ+ communities, which earlier this year forced the cancellation of a Pride march in Gelsenkirchen.
Graffiti and Counter-Protests
Anti-LGBTQ+ graffiti reading "Ban CSD" appeared near the parade route, referencing the German name for Pride events (Christopher Street Day). Organizer Jonas Löschau noted Bautzen has become a focal point for far-right demonstrations. This third edition attracted over 2,000 participants, including supporters from across Germany like "Grandmothers Against Right-Wing Extremism" from Munich.
Political Context and Concerns
Approximately 200 counter-protesters gathered near Bautzen station, chanting homophobic slogans like "No right to gay propaganda!" while police maintained separation barriers. Participants expressed alarm about Germany's right-wing radicalization, linking it to the recent decision by Bundestag President not to display the rainbow flag during Berlin Pride - defended by Chancellor Merz as keeping parliament "not a circus tent".
AfD's Influence Grows
Protesters connected the political shift to the rising influence of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, classified by German intelligence as an extremist threat to democracy. Organizer Löschau warned: "We're seeing attempts to restrict freedoms for political gain after years of progress."
