Numerous events will be held in Dresden on Friday (from 11.00 a.m.) to commemorate the destruction of the city during the Second World War. The highlight will be a human chain in the early evening, which thousands of citizens join every year in the city center. This is not only to commemorate all the victims of the war. It is also intended as a sign of reconciliation and solidarity.
Up to 25,000 people lost their lives
Dresden was severely destroyed by air raids by British and US bombers on February 13, 1945 and in the days that followed. According to investigations by a historical commission, up to 25,000 people lost their lives. Right-wing extremists see this as a war crime and are trying to relativize Germany's guilt in the war. They have planned a demonstration in Dresden on Saturday, which has sparked counter-protests.
