Right-wing violence | Masked men attack housing project in Cottbus

Several attackers attacked an alternative housing project in Cottbus with firecrackers and torches. Those affected claimed it was an attempted arson attack by right-wing extremists on Saturday night.

The five attackers were said to have been partially masked and shouted anti-constitutional slogans, police reported this afternoon. Residents of the "Cell 79" housing project said in a separate statement that the perpetrators also wore balaclavas and shouted, among other things, "We are the gang, Adolf Hitler hooligans!"

Investigations into violence by suspected right-wing extremists

Just a few days ago, the Federal Prosecutor General took action against suspected right-wing extremists in southern Brandenburg and other federal states following violent incidents. They are alleged to belong to a suspected right-wing terrorist cell, the "Last Wave of Defense" group . In October 2024, a cultural center in Altdöbern was set on fire at night, and an arson attack on an asylum shelter was planned in Senftenberg.

In addition, there were also violent incidents at youth clubs in Senftenberg and Spremberg in southern Brandenburg some time ago. The "Cell 79 Housing Project" was also attacked in March.

Police search for Cottbus attackers

According to the Southern Police Department, the perpetrators did not gain entry to the building during the night of Saturday. However, they did damage the front door and the facade. Police are investigating for breach of the peace. Forensic investigators have secured evidence.

The police wrote in their statement: "Residents had noticed about five dark-clad and partially masked individuals who were setting off pyrotechnic devices, including firecrackers and flares, and shouting anti-constitutional slogans."

During the search, several people in the area were checked. "However, no suspicions were raised against these individuals," the police department said. The State Security Unit, which is responsible for politically motivated crimes, took over the investigation. According to police, no one was injured.

Initiative speaks of “attempt at intimidation”

Residents of the building stated in a statement that the attackers attempted to break down the front door. Five pyrotechnic flares were thrown into the backyard and onto the building. A fire in the courtyard caused by the flares was extinguished by the residents. A neighboring property was also hit by a flare.

According to the statement, the spokesperson for the "Initiative Safe Places South Brandenburg" said: "This is a targeted attempt at intimidation by organized right-wing structures. This was not youthful exuberance – it was a coordinated attack with a political message." The initiative further complains that democratic and anti-fascist sites are not adequately protected by the police and politicians despite repeated right-wing attacks.

The "Cell 79 Housing Project" describes itself as a "free space" for alternative culture, education, and self-managed housing in Cottbus. It emerged from a squat. A resident of the housing project said they would not be intimidated by the attack. "We're staying here – and will continue to fight for equal rights, a free life for all, and a more just society."

Voices from politics

Following the attack, Cottbus's mayor, Tobias Schick (SPD), expressed concern that such incidents were discouraging urgently needed skilled workers from moving to the region. However, in light of the phase-out of brown coal, Cottbus needs "immigration from all over the world" to achieve structural change, Schick stated through his spokesperson. An atmosphere is needed in which no one has to be afraid or fear for their life.

The SPD mayor wants to discuss how such facilities can be better protected, the spokesperson said. Schick is in contact with the police and those affected by the "Cell 79 Housing Project." He wants to bring all stakeholders together.

The state chairwoman of the Brandenburg Green Party, Andrea Lübcke, expressed her "deep shock" at the attack in a statement. "Such acts are not only directed against those directly affected, but also threaten the fundamental values ​​of our democratic society." Right-wing structures should not be tolerated in Brandenburg and must be actively combated, Lübcke continued. "Decisive government action is needed here." dpa/nd