Police barriers separated opposing crowds on Friedrichstraße, while symbolic moving boxes and rival slogans underscored the deep political divide.
Three rallies were held in Berlin on Friday, September 4, with participants speaking both for and against the closure of the Russian House of Science and Culture on Friedrichstrasse. The German authorities’ decision to shut down the institution was linked to an attack at Leipzig Airport, for which Germany held Moscow responsible.
As reported by dw.com.
About 500 opponents of the closure gathered outside the Russian House. The organizers set up a stage for the rally.
Rally Against the Closure of the Russian House in Berlin
The rally was organized by Sahra Wagenknecht’s party, the German Communist Party, and the civic organization “Society for Russian-German Friendship.”
Participants called for an end to the “anti-Russian hysteria” and to “aggressive policies toward Russia.”
Supporters of the Institution’s Closure
Another rally was held nearby, with participants demanding that the Russian House be closed. About 250 people joined the demonstration, including many supporters of Ukraine.
Members of the Green Party and pro-Ukrainian activists were present. They placed symbolic boxes on Friedrichstrasse, intended for Russian House employees to pack their belongings into.
Protesters held signs reading “Suitcase, Train Station, Moscow” and “No to Kremlin Propaganda!”
Separate Protest by the Russian Opposition
Another small protest was organized nearby. Just over ten people carrying the white-blue-white flags of the Russian opposition took part. They also called for the Russian House to be closed.
One sign read, “Lock Up the Den of Spies.”
All three rallies in central Berlin took place under heightened police security. Access to the rally sites was restricted to keep the groups with opposing views apart.