Controversial exhibition about refugees in the Ore Mountains removed

Unfortunately, this message was not received or was received in the complete opposite way. "People who are critical of asylum and integration read out that they come here, live at our expense, get everything and still complain about it," said Böhme. She and others had "never understood it that way".

Exhibition already in other places

The exhibition "It's not quiet in my head" was a contribution to Intercultural Week (September 14 to October 7) in the city. It provides an insight into the reality of life for 37 refugees and shows the problems they face in their efforts to find their feet in a foreign country. There have been no problems at previous presentations since July 2023, including in the Saxon state parliament. "It is the first incident of this kind; the process is outrageous," said Eva Howitz from the Schwarzenberg Refugee Support Group. The fact that a state authority has taken down pictures on the basis of complaints is a new dimension. "We are shocked by the procedure; it shows the social development in a shocking way."

The town of Pirna at the gateway to Saxon Switzerland has a mayor with close ties to the AfD, who recently made headlines by banning the rainbow flag from being hoisted at the town hall around Christopher Street Day, as in previous years. In addition to the right-wing image of the city and the region, there are also many committed people and networks who look after the refugees housed there, said Böhme. They, in particular, are not understanding the cancellation of the exhibition, which was also intended to encourage discussion. "Taking the path of least resistance does not go down well with people."

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