Sunday 1st June saw another Nazi march in Berlin. This was one organised by “Deutsche Jugend Voran” (German Youth Forward). This follows other marches and increasing violent attacks in the capital in recent months. The Nazi boats are rising with the tide as Germany’s mainstream politicians turn to the right, legitimising racism and nationalism and as excessive policing methods are used on protesters.
A counter protest to the fascist march was organised by left groups and antifascists.
Only about 50 Nazis marched but most were very young – even of school age.
Anti-fascists assembled in Rosa Luxemburg Platz and grew in numbers to around 800. They blockaded the Nazis demo as it approached MemhardStrasse. The fascists were only able to march along the wide main road of Karl-Marx Allee and failed to enter the residential areas and proceed to Nordbanhof. Protesters harassed them along the entire route.
They were eventually forced by the police into a corner near Alexanderplatz U bahn station. Several arrests were made here of both anti-fascists and right wingers.
Despite the relatively small size of the demonstration there is no room for complacency. The extreme youth of this group should act as a warning to anti-fascists. It is imperative that the left should offer alternatives to disillusioned young people.
Several bore right wing markings including the 444 tattoo. This is a Nazi sign for the fourth letter of the alphabet. DDD standing for Deutschland den Deutschen, Germany for the Germans.
The DJV are one of the new youth groups emerging. Described by Linke Party councillor Niklas Schrader as “drinking and Hitlering”, violence is part of their approach.
These new groups have increasingly taken part in attacking Pride parades. Nazis affiliated with the DJV were also arrested attempting to approach the Revolutionary May Day demonstration. They demonstrated in Berlin-Marzahn on October 19, 2024.
