Brutal attack at the CSD in Emden: Witnesses urgently wanted!

Brutal attack at the CSD in Emden: Witnesses urgently wanted!

On Saturday, June 16, 2025, this year's Christopher Street Day (CSD) took place in Emden. The police reported an overall trouble-free course of the celebrations, but the day took a bitter turn when a 31-year-old participant, who celebrated as a "Puppy" with a leather dog mask, was attacked by an unknown man and hit the face. This incident shows once again that despite the beautiful atmosphere in the city, there is still a worrying violence against the queer community. The attacker has not yet been able to be caught and the Emden police are looking for witnesses to the incident, who can provide information in order to determine the perpetrator. The 31-year-old had to be treated in the hospital after the attack. In addition, a 29-year-old helper was injured when he tried to help the attacked person and was knocked over by the attacker. According to [NDR] (https://www.ndr.de/niederensachs/oldenburg_ostfriesland/angiff-auf-csd-t-demonstration-demden, csd1466.html) the situation around CSD events remains tense.

The incidents in Emden are not isolated. An alarming trend is shown in Germany: the number of queer anti -queer crimes is steadily increasing. In 2023, the Federal Criminal Police Office reported a total of 1,765 such crimes, an increase of 18 % compared to the previous year. Trans- and non-binary persons are particularly affected, with an increase of 35 % to 1,152 cases. These are worrying numbers that underline the importance of a safe environment for all participants in the CSD demos. Event participants often meet at the train station and move to the demo to protect themselves against possible attacks, as the [Tagesspiegel] (https://www.tachspiegel.de/sgesellschaft/panorama/queerfeindlichkeit-steigt-cs---zuhmend-demawungen-ausstlungen-ausstlungen-ausstlung.

threat to CSD participants

Young right-wing extremists are increasingly calling up to counter-actions, and the climate of fear is reinforced by threats to CSD organizers. The incident in Emden is a further confirmation that CSD celebrations in Germany are increasingly exposed to hostility and violence. Kai Bölle, board member of the CSD Germany association, describes a massive increase in online threats. Sophie Koch, the Federal Government's queer officer, also commented on increasing mobilization against CSD events. Despite these challenges, there were 150 CSD events in Germany last year with around three million participants. Nevertheless, organizers now have to implement stronger protective measures.

At the Initiative of organizations such as Campact and the Amadeu Antonio Foundation, the rainbow protection fund was launched to offer organizers of CSDS financial support for security measures. Timo Reinfrank from the Amadeu Antonio Foundation emphasizes that support for Queeres Life is also essential in times of intimidation.

a nationwide problem

The situation is not only precarious in Emden. CSD organizers also report hostile and threats in cities such as Wernigerode and Leipzig. One participant in Wernigerode even threatened to shoot on the CSD, which led to the collection of ammunition and weapons of shot during a house search. Such frightening incidents and the associated fear are also due to the increase in right -wing extremist activities. Falko Jentsch from the CSD Saxony-Anhalt emphasizes that such threats have to put a heavy burden on the organizational team and that preparations have to take place under police protection, as reported on ZDF.

The incidents described and the increasing number of queer anti -queer crimes make it clear that nationwide awareness is required. The police and politics are challenged to ensure the safe celebration of the queer community and to proceed against these worrying trends. A sovereign handling of this topic is fundamental for acceptance and protection of the LGBTQ+community in Germany.