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Woidke: A strong state ensures protection against right-wing extremism
“There is no place for right-wing extremism in Brandenburg,” says Prime Minister Dietmar Woidke (SPD). photo
© Soeren Stache/dpa
Two teachers caused a stir because they publicized right-wing extremist incidents at their former school. Brandenburg’s Prime Minister Woidke says what the state can do against the law.
“There must be no place in Brandenburg where fears are fueled and dissidents are intimidated. The rule of law, the police and the judiciary must intervene clearly and effectively here.” The protection of the constitution is also an important pillar. “Cosmopolitanism and tolerance are a prerequisite for ensuring that the positive economic development, but also the democratic culture in the country is secured,” said Woidke.
teachers left school
According to preliminary data, the number of politically motivated right-wing crimes in Brandenburg increased significantly in the first half of this year. In April, an anonymous fire letter from a teacher who made it public that they were confronted with right-wing extremism, sexism and homophobia at their school in Burg im Spreewald caused a nationwide sensation. Both left school in the meantime and justified this with hostilities from the right-wing scene.
The head of government considers it necessary to take action against right-wing extremism as broadly as possible. He referred to the “Alliance for Brandenburg”, an alliance of politics, business, culture and society, including fire brigades and churches, which renewed an appeal against right-wing extremism, hatred and violence from 2015 in July. “This breadth is crucial because we need the clear message at all levels: There is no place for right-wing extremism in Brandenburg,” said Woidke.
Woidke promotes effective law enforcement
The prime minister considers speedy convictions for right-wing extremist crimes to be important: “We were one of the first federal states to set up special departments for politically motivated crimes in the four public prosecutor’s offices,” said Woidke.
“The public prosecutor’s office and the state security police are working more closely together and are working towards a swift conclusion of the proceedings and a quick and consistent conviction.” The Central Office for Combating Hate Crime was also set up at the Attorney General’s Office, also to ensure effective prosecution.