Just a few days ago, Berlin’s Senator for Culture Joe Chialo was insulted and harassed at an event. Now there has been an attack on his home.
A paint attack was carried out on the home of Berlin’s Senator for Culture, Joe Chialo (CDU). The state security service responsible for politically motivated crimes has taken over the investigation into property damage, the police announced. The “Tagesspiegel” had previously reported.
The paint, which had been spread over a large area of Chialo’s house in Pankow, was discovered in the morning. In addition, two inscriptions were left behind, one of which has a reference to the Gaza war: “Genocide Joe Chialo”.
Horror in politics
CDU leader Merz spoke of a serious crime that was “obviously the responsibility of Palestinian and left-wing forces in Berlin.” “The fact that a man like Joe Chialo is accused of racism here in Berlin just because he is committed to the existence of the State of Israel and to the protection of Jewish fellow citizens in this city is truly unacceptable in every respect,” said Merz.
Berlin’s Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) reacted with shock: “The attack on Joe Chialo’s home crosses all boundaries,” Wegner told the online platform X. Chialo himself did not initially comment.
Joe Chialo under massive pressure
Only a few days ago, Chialo was harassed and insulted by pro-Palestinian activists at an event in Berlin. He eventually left the venue under police protection.
At the end of last year, the CDU politician received harsh criticism from the cultural scene for a so-called anti-Semitism clause. The clause was intended to oblige recipients of public funding to, among other things, declare their opposition to anti-Semitism. Critics saw artistic freedom as being at risk. Chialo’s proposal has since been scrapped. The Berlin Senate is looking for another solution. Most recently, the CDU politician was criticized because his department had stopped funding for a cultural center following accusations of anti-Semitism.
Steinmeier wants more attention for victims of political violence
Meanwhile, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called for more attention to be paid to the victims of politically motivated violence and less attention to the perpetrators. “Political violence is never a legitimate means in a democracy,” he said at a round table in Bellevue Palace before the latest incident became known. “It is necessary that we reaffirm this consensus. Because politically motivated violence has become more commonplace in Germany and – just as bad, I think – the acceptance of political violence is also increasing.”
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.
