The exhibition "It's not quiet in my head" about refugees in Saxony, which was removed from the Pirna district office shortly after it was set up, can now be seen in the town as part of Intercultural Week - in the monastery church. "We Christians stand up for those who are often the weakest and are not listened to," wrote Father Vinzenz Brendler on the Catholic community's website. "Giving these people a face and a voice with an exhibition is not only possible in a Christian community, it is also necessary."
Authority justifies step with complaints
After complaints from citizens, the district administration decided last week to take down the exhibition that had just been set up in the foyer, citing domestic authority. The reasons given were polarization and complaints about negative comments made by those seeking protection, resentment and unease among visitors and staff and a heated atmosphere. The action triggered fierce criticism in the city, district and nationwide.
Exhibition already shown at other locations
The touring exhibition organized by the Schwarzenberg Refugee Support Group has been shown at other locations in Bavaria since July 2023, including the state parliament, without any problems. It is intended to help break down existing prejudices against refugees in the population, inform and educate people about their concerns and fears and promote greater understanding and acceptance. The people portrayed talk about their lives in their home countries, their reasons for fleeing and their experiences when they first arrived in Germany.
