Police attack on Linke man
“It was a frontal attack like I’ve never experienced before.”
During an anti-AfD demonstration, a left-wing member of the Saxon state parliament was the victim of a police operation. In the interview, Nam Duy Nguyen describes what happened.
How are you, Mr. Nguyen?
Good under the circumstances. I have pain in my mouth and jaw area and will go to the doctor later.
In what role were you in Riesa today?
I am a left-wing member of the Saxon state parliament and worked as a parliamentary observer.
Can you tell us what exactly happened today?
I accompanied part of the demonstration from the main train station. I always carried my deputy ID card in front of me and my colleague wore a high-visibility vest so that it was clear that we were not participants but observers.
In the middle of the demonstration, the police stop the march. The participants stand in the cold for two hours – with no information from the police as to whether and when things will continue. The mood becomes tense, demonstrators shake police buses, try to break out of the police cordon, and a police water cannon is at the ready. Then the redeeming news: things continue, the police vehicles that blocked the way are driving away.
What exactly happened after the demonstration continued?
It became restless – people ran forward. At some point a unit of the Lower Saxony police came rushing in. My employee was pushed over despite his vest.
And you?
I pointed out loudly and with my ID that I was a parliamentary observer. Nevertheless, a police officer punched me in the face. That was a frontal attack like I’ve never experienced before. I saw black for a moment until I was pulled up by people around me.
What was the first thing you remember after you regained consciousness?
My knees were shaking. I was really in shock. Luckily I was treated by first responders. A police communications team apparently monitored the situation and called in the criminal investigation department. It is clear to us: we will file criminal charges against the responsible officials.
How did you know that a Lower Saxon unit was coming?
They were identified as such and clearly recognizable.
Did you speak to the police again afterwards?
No. Before that, I had over two hours of regular, de-escalating contact with the police. After the incident, I had to stop my work as an observer.
How did you perceive the police overall?
At this point the Lower Saxony police definitely have to answer. My impression of the day remains completely overshadowed. It was actually a point victory against right-wing extremism – and I think that’s a real shame.
What do you expect from the Saxon state government after this incident?
I expect a complete review, not just of my case. This is about more than just ensuring that all cases of police violence are fully investigated. It must be made clear that such incidents have consequences and that fundamental rights such as freedom of assembly and demonstration must apply equally to all people.
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.
