The rainbow flag is a symbol of diversity and tolerance. Replacing it with a Nazi flag indicates an opposing mentality. It is not the first time this has happened.
In Neubrandenburg in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, as yet unknown perpetrators have once again taken down a rainbow flag in front of the train station and replaced it with a flag with a swastika. The police also reported that a passerby noticed the flag with the forbidden symbol that morning. The officers who were called to the scene took down the flag and confiscated it. Investigations have been launched into the use of unconstitutional symbols.
According to the city administration, the rainbow flag – which is a symbol of freedom for all sexual orientations, diversity and tolerance – is constantly flying in front of the train station, next to the flags of the city and the university. It was stolen from there a year ago and replaced by a Nazi flag.
City strongly condemns action
The latest action is also seen as an attack on the basic values of the Federal Republic of Germany and is condemned in the strongest possible terms, according to a statement from the city administration. “Raising a swastika flag is not only a criminal offense, but also a disgusting symbol of a contemptuous ideology that has no place in our society,” the authors emphasize.
The city will continue to advocate for an open, diverse and liberal society in which every person is respected and valued and in which hatred and intolerance have no place. Rainbow flags have also been stolen from outside the town hall itself in the past.
Similar incident already last year
Last year, the flag in the colors of the rainbow was stolen from the station forecourt in Neubrandenburg immediately before the Christopher Street Day demonstration and replaced. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania’s Minister of Social Affairs Stefanie Drese (SPD) attended the event, strongly condemned the flag action as discrimination and queerphobic hostility and promoted acceptance, tolerance and the right to self-determination.
Christopher Street Day (CSD) takes place in the region alternately in Neubrandenburg and Neustrelitz. This year, the event took place in Neustrelitz in June. The CSD commemorates the first known uprising of homosexuals against police brutality in New York’s Christopher Street on June 28, 1969. Since then, people all over the world have taken to the streets to commemorate this day.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
