Right -wing violence in Cologne: Attack on demonstrators shakes city!

Right -wing violence in Cologne: Attack on demonstrators shakes city!

Köln-Kalk, Deutschland - The political mood in Cologne is tense and it doesn't seem to be better. An incident that took place in a demonstration against an "AfD citizens' dialogue" in Cologne-Kalk has heated the minds. David, who was on his first demonstration, was approached on the way home by Felix Cassel, an AfD politician, and had to go to the hospital. This violent examination is reminiscent of the worrying development of right -wing extremist violence, which has increased significantly in Germany in recent years. According to the Statista , a total of 3,453 cases have been registered in a variety of violence-a striking increase compared to only 1,347 cases five years earlier.

Heike Kleffner from the VBRG is concerned that many perpetrators refer to the AfD positively and that the violent acts against critical citizens are repeatedly in the headlines are related to the right -wing ideology. The Federal Criminal Police Office points out that many of the violent violent violations motivated by 1,488 in 2024 are not recorded in PMK-right statistics, since the motive racism often remains unclear at first.

increasing acts of violence and their consequences

The situation in the community is complicated by the fact that numerous incidents documented, but still not adequately pursued legally. Nils reported on a terrifying incident at the AfD federal party conference 2024 in Essen, which was also not recorded in the PMK right statistics. It is incomprehensible that such events are lost in the statistics. Martin, another citizen, was attacked by Robert Hagerman, an AfD council candidate, with pepper spray when he wanted to help others. Martin suffered stab wounds, and although the incident was classified as a self -defense excess, the judiciary has been questionable here.

The advice centers that should support those affected do not receive any information about perpetrators who are AfD officials. This information deficit could be seen as part of a major problem within the legal system, where those affected often have the feeling of being abandoned by the rule of law. Judith Porath from the VBRG sums it up: "People don't feel protected."

a worrying picture

Statistics of the Federal Criminal Police Office explain that the politically motivated crime (PMK) in Germany is an important security problem. In 2024 there was an increase of 23.21 % in PMK law, which is almost half of all registered cases. A total of 28,945 cases were counted. Within this number, hate crimes are among the most increased offenses, with an increase of 50 %. Many of these crimes that are characterized by extremism and intolerance have right -wing extremist backgrounds, which increases the pressure on civil society.

activists such as Uli, Martin and Hubert continue their commitment to an open and respectful society. Despite all the adversities, they decided not to give up and fight against the right with their voices and deeds. David, who has become active in his incident and founded a punk rock band, is a living example of the fact that violence can also result from violence. It remains to be hoped that the civil society initiatives in Cologne and beyond are strong enough to counteract the creeping violence and intolerance.

These developments make it clear once again that urgent questions about security and protection for citizens are on the agenda today. The events of the past few months have made it clear that the fight against politically motivated acts of violence is far from gained and that society is challenged to stand together and to show the flag.