The man who died on Monday after an unannounced demonstration against mandatory vaccinations in Wandlitz (Barnim) in Brandenburg is apparently the musician Boris “Yellow” Pfeiffer from the medieval rock band In Extremo. This is reported by the “Märkische Oderzeitung”.
The 53-year-old wanted to break through a police chain at the demonstration, officials took his personal details. When he went to his car afterwards, Pfeiffer collapsed, and despite quick rescue efforts, he later died in hospital. Because the cause of death is unclear, an autopsy has been ordered.
Pfeiffer, who played bagpipes and hurdy-gurdy, left the band In Extremo in May. At that time, the band announced that further collaboration was no longer conceivable. Circumstances, perspectives and priorities have changed. After it had been possible to find a way that was feasible for everyone, it was not possible this time.
“It is with dismay and regret that we learned of the death of our long-time companion Boris,” the band said on Facebook about the death of their ex-member. “24 years together on stage was more than just a moment.”
It is an open secret in the music scene that Boris Pfeiffer had to leave the band because he was said to have opposed vaccination and advocated conspiracy theories. Especially for bands who want to continue giving concerts, such musicians are a problem, it was said.
Fake news about alleged police violence
The case drew circles on social networks – and gave rise to speculation and false reports in the scene of corona deniers about the circumstances of the 53-year-old’s death. According to information from an eyewitness from the “Wandlitz Stands Up” telegram group, the deceased lived in the Stolzenhagen district and was a member of the “Base” party.
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The right-wing extremist group “Freie Sachsen” had already posted a video on Tuesday morning, which is supposed to show a scene shortly before the death of the 53-year-old. The clip is titled “Here a 53-year-old man dies as a result of police violence”. You can see a demonstrator who is roughly pushed to the ground by an officer after trying to break through a police cordon.
However, the video was made in Bernau, the man in the video has nothing to do with Wandlitz’s death. The Brandenburg police confirmed that it was false news. Other channels reported that the 53-year-old was allegedly “beaten to death” by police officers. Further exploitation of the death by right-wing extremists is also to be expected.