It was colorful, it was loud, and it was a clear message for democracy, tolerance, and humanity – and against right-wing extremism. On Saturday, the Christopher Street Day (CSD) took place for the second time in Oranienburg, followed by the CSD festival in the castle square. The organizers reported around 1,000 CSD participants and approximately 40 counter-demonstrators.
Accompanied by right-wing counter-protesters, the parade, featuring colorfully dressed and made-up participants, proceeded through the city. According to a police spokesperson, there were no major disturbances. Officers had kept the two marches separate. "We are very satisfied so far," said Candy Boldt-Händel, co-organizer of the Oberhavel Pride Parade, who had initially anticipated more significant disruptions.
At the train station, there were counter-protests by far-right groups, which led to high security measures. The counter-demonstration, organized by Julian Milz of the DJV ("Deutsche Jugend Voran"), drew approximately 40 participants. This was significantly fewer than the 300 expected. They chanted xenophobic and nationalist slogans. There were no clashes with the CSD participants – the day remained peaceful apart from some mutual insults.
