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Rostock No Borders. Moronic cops attack demo at the sight of pogrom.

Guido | 05.06.2007 21:25 | G8 Germany 2007 | Globalisation | Migration | Repression | World

In 1992 Germany saw its first pogrom since the days of Hitler. A hostel in Lictenhagen used by refugees and immigrant workers was burnt to the ground by a gang of pissed up nazis as 3,000 local racists cheered them on. The 30 cops in attendance looked the other way and the event became an international scandal. It happened after a hysterical racist campaign by the conservative right and their tabloids (sound familiar?). Following the pogrom racist laws were passed and refugees rights were eroded.

Given the history of Lichtenhagen you would have thought that the cops might keep a low profile?

Yeah right...

Cops attempt to kick things off...
Cops attempt to kick things off...

...while more cops make a pointless arrest.
...while more cops make a pointless arrest.

The demonstrator refuse to be provoked...
The demonstrator refuse to be provoked...

...and quickly organise against the repression.
...and quickly organise against the repression.

Clown is attacked.
Clown is attacked.

:(
:(


Todays rally called by No Borders was to commemorate what happened in Lichtenhagen and all the victims of racism. The crowd were peacefully gathered and listening to speeches by diferent groups.

Suddenly without warning a group riot cops attack some people standing on the edge of the crowd. This just happens to be the same unit that were starting most of the aggro on Saturday. Funny that? While this happens a snatch squad piles into the crowd to nick someone. Wanted for Saturday, or just an excuse to kick things off?

The discipline of the crowd is commendable. At the begining it was announced that due to the presence of refugees on the demo it is essential that there is no trouble no matter what the provocation. People link arms and chant 'Get lost' at the marauding cops until they stand down. More scuffles break out outside the demo, at one point I witness one of the clowns being half strangled. If the Police wanted to start a riot in order to get the main afternoon demo banned they failed dismally.

Guido
- e-mail: guidoreports@riseup.net