Lichtenberg calls for a round table: Together against right-wing violence!

Lichtenberg calls for a round table: Together against right-wing violence!

The Berlin district of Lichtenberg, which has often been referred to as a “Nazi district” since the 1990s, has been the focus of political initiatives to combat right-wing extremist violence. After a series of right-wing extremist attacks, including an alleged attack on a citizen deputy, the Left, the SPD and the Greens have prepared a joint application to the district office. This provides for the establishment of a round table to take action against right-wing extremist structures and promote civil society engagement, after the district was considered a hotspot for neo-Nazi activities in the past, which lasted until the early 2000s, reports Daily Mirror.

In the most recent incidents in Lichtenberg, among other things, threatening letters were sent against Lasko Schleunung, an 18-year-old spokesman for the Left Youth, and he was also physically attacked. The attack, which took place at the end of May, ended with him being treated in hospital. Police and state security have been made aware of the threats as emotional attacks on political opponents in the region increase. In this context, the district politician team is planning a meeting at the next district council meeting on June 19th.

History of right-wing extremist structures

The right-wing extremist structures in Lichtenberg are not new; They are part of the history of the district, which was shaped by neo-Nazis even after the fall of the Wall. They organized themselves into comrades and sought a presence in the district through various initiatives, such as the “National Alternative”. Despite party-political efforts to roll back right-wing structures, current incidents demonstrate that the challenges remain. A report highlights that a total of 723 right-wing extremist and racist incidents were documented in Lichtenberg in 2024, with a third of these incidents taking place in the Hohenschönhausen district, according to the report FU Berlin.

In recent weeks, right-wing extremist stickers and graffiti have been discovered in Neu-Hohenschönhausen, and racist leaflets have been found outside the homes of Muslim families, further increasing concerns about rising right-wing extremism in the region. The development had its roots in the 1990s, when Lichtenberg was considered a stronghold of the neo-Nazi scene and numerous attacks on refugees were recorded.

Political reactions and prevention concept

In view of this threatening situation, local politicians are calling for the creation of a prevention concept to protect young people from being recruited by right-wing extremist groups. The application to create a “Hohenschönhausen Round Table” is intended to promote networking against right-wing structures and to support other civil society activities.

The Lichtenberg district has already taken steps to combat the right-wing scene in the past through the commitment of the Lichtenberg Antifascist Network (AVL). Despite the challenges and ongoing threats, many citizens are standing up against the ongoing intolerance and showing solidarity with the victims of right-wing violence.