Chemnitz 2018: consultants complain about "delayed justice"

More than six years after attacks on participants in a "Herz statt Hetze" demonstration in Chemnitz, victims are still waiting for a criminal investigation. The justice system has failed for years to respond appropriately to the attacks by neo-Nazis on 1 September 2018, criticize the advice centres "Support" and "Response". They speak of "justice delayed in the shadow of the Capital of Culture". A clear signal of protection is needed from the judiciary for all those who campaign against right-wing violence.

Originally, more than 20 people had been investigated. Due to the large number, the whole case was split into three trials. In a first trial, three of the nine defendants were left in the end. The proceedings against them were discontinued in return for payment of 1,000 euros each.

Another trial against four young men is now set to begin on Tuesday (13 May) before the juvenile criminal chamber. The third trial is still pending.

The case dates back more than six years

The case goes back to the late summer of 2018, when demonstrations and riots broke out in Chemnitz following the violent death of a German man in a dispute with asylum seekers, which were attended by right-wing extremists from all over Germany - including a so-called funeral march organized by AfD, Pegida and Pro Chemnitz. Afterwards, a number of participants chased, insulted and attacked counter-demonstrators.