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Protesters clash with police at Rote Flora social centre eviction in Hamburg
Over 8,000 protesters have clashed with riot police as they protested against the planned eviction of squatters from a popular social centre, and against the eviction of hundreds of Syrian refugees from their homes. The largely peaceful protest erupted following a baton charge, and use of teargas, and water cannons by the police. The protesters responded by building barricades, throwing stones, fireworks, and bottles. It is reported that over 500 people has been injured, and around 150 arrests made.
The Rote Flora is an old theatre building which has been used as a social centre since 1989. The sale of the building to developers has sparked widespread outrage and protest. There are also wider issues relating to an old apartment building nearby, the ‘Esso houses’ that had been the home to around 300 refugees from Syria and Egypt, until they had been evicted last week. One of the Rote Flora squatters said that: Quote:
The Rote Flora is an old theatre building which has been used as a social centre since 1989. The sale of the building to developers has sparked widespread outrage and protest. There are also wider issues relating to an old apartment building nearby, the ‘Esso houses’ that had been the home to around 300 refugees from Syria and Egypt, until they had been evicted last week. One of the Rote Flora squatters said that: Quote:
“There was a mood of aggression from the outset,” adding that “we came under serious attack. It has become more violent than anything we have experienced in a long time. Through the overwhelming use of batons, pepper spray and water cannon, there were numerous injuries,”
Despite video evidence clearly showing the police initiated trouble, the media (typically) have laid blame at the feet of protesters. A local newspaper claimed that: Quote:
Prior to the start of the demonstration the police had declared the city as a ‘Danger Zone’ which enables them utilise extended rights to stop and search, and to use preventative detention orders.
from: http://libcom.org/blog/protesters-clash-police-rote-flora-social-centre-eviction-hamburg-22122013 (additional video at link)
"The situation escalated shortly after the start of the demonstration in the afternoon than in the immediate vicinity of the occupied cultural center "Rote Flora" rioters from the so-called Black Bloc attacked forces. These thereafter blocked the march and put a water cannon. Even from a bridge officers were pelted with objects, said a police spokeswoman."
Prior to the start of the demonstration the police had declared the city as a ‘Danger Zone’ which enables them utilise extended rights to stop and search, and to use preventative detention orders.