geh denken alliance
TRANSCRIPT
14 February 2009, Dresden
... against the largest gathering of the European right-wing extremist movement
The GEH DENKEN alliance...
1. The victim myth of Dresden
2. The neonazi marches
3. The GEH DENKEN alliance
Dresden – Platform for the largest yearly neonazi demonstration
On 14 February 2009, 7.500 neo-nazis from all overGermany and Europe participated in the largest neo-nazi demonstration in the post-war history.
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2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
HALBE: Remembrance of honour
WUNSIEDEL: Rudolf Hess march
BUDAPEST: Day of Honour
DRESDEN: Mourning march
JENA: Festival of the People
13/14 February 1945:Dresden was bombed by the Allies, 25.000 people were killed, the city centre completely destroyed.
Nazi propaganda:begin of the “myth of Dresden”: Dresden as an innocent victim of “anglo-american air gangsters“
“Bombing Holocaust“ - The victim myth
“Bombing Holocaust never again!” NPD Saxony
GDR ideology:anti-imperialistic GDR follows the myth idea: Dresden perceived as “senselessly destroyed“ city
1990s:Neonazis adopted the myth to relativise the nazi crimes: “German Hiroshima“, “bombing holocaust“
Silent commemoration?!
Wreath of the extreme right NPD covers wreath of the Central Consistory of Jews in Germany, February 2009
The city`s official remembrance concept lacks a clearstand against right-wing extremism and allows RWEs to take over places and topics of remembrance.
A group of Neonazis at the “silent remembrance“ on the Heide cemetery, February 2008
Neonazi march, 14 February 2009The largest post-war neonazi demonstration
Neonazi march, 14 February 2009Revisionism
„Yesterday Dresden – today Gaza. Bring the murderers to justice!“ NPD Dresden
„250.000 Germans died in the hell of Dresden. Where is their memorial?“ NPD Wunsiedel
Neonazi march, 14 February 2009International participation
Many international delegations participated in last years marches, including members of the “European National Front“.
Great Britain: British National Party Belgium: Groen Rechts Italy: Veneto Fronte Skinheads Czechia: Národní odpor Slovakia: Slovenská pospolitost Spain: Alianca Nacional Bulgaria: Gvardia Greece: Golden Dawn Portugal: Frente Nacional Hungary: Vérés Becsület Kulturális Egyesület
Neonazi march, 14 February 2009International participation
GEH DENKEN – Go and think!A clear STOP to right-wing extremism
14 February 2009Dresden
More info:[email protected]
Let’s stop the biggest nazi march of Europe – peacefully and determined!
All over Germany and Europe, we appeal to stop the right-wing extremists peacefully and determined in Dresden. We call for demonstrations and rallies on 14th February 2009.
GEH DENKENCall for action
GEH DENKENAlliance & preparatory group
Civil society organisations: Amadeu Antonio Foundation, Action Reconciliation Service for Peace, Campaign Loud against Nazis, Kulturbüro Sachsen, RAA Sachsen
Democratic parties: Social Democratic Party of Germany Dresden, The Left Dresden, Green Party Dresden
Trade union: German Federation of Trade Unions Dresden
Church / Jewish community: Superintendent Dresden-centre, Jewish Community Dresden
Supporters:- more than 200 prominent initial signatories of the call for action - all in all 1.000 signers during the campaign- international support: UNITED, YHRM
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GEH DENKENEvaluation
+ impressive signal against right-wing extremism
+ 10.000 counter- demonstrators
+ neonazis had to change their marching route
+ wide support of the call for action
+ successful coverage in local, national and international media
GEH DENKENEvaluation
- peaceful protest along the nazi route was suppressed
- de-escalation strategy of police failed: no adequate protection of / rigid action against GEH DENKEN demonstrators
- at least five serious neonazi attacks
- biggest nazi march since 1945 (7.500 participants)
- city mayor, CDU, Lutheran Church of Saxony refused to take part in GEH DENKEN
