Protests against the closure of the Russian House took place in Berlin
On September 4, three demonstrations took place simultaneously in Berlin by supporters and opponents of the German government’s decision to close the “Russian House of Science and Culture.”
About 500 people gathered in front of the “Russian House” building to protest its closure. Nearly 250 participants nearby demanded that the institution cease its activities.
Another, much smaller rally took place with the participation of Russian opposition activists.
The largest rally took place in front of the “Russian House.” According to estimates, about 500 people participated.
A stage was set up for the protesters. The rally was organized by the radical left-wing party led by Sara Wagenknecht, the Communist Party of Germany, and the “Society for Russian-German Friendship.”
Among the slogans chanted at the rally were:
“Stop the Russophobic madness” and “End the aggressive policy toward Russia.”
A counter-rally took place nearby, drawing about 250 people.
Representatives of the Green Party and pro-Ukrainian activists, who called for the closure of the “Russian House,” joined the protest.
Participants set up symbolic boxes into which, according to the organizers’ plan, the institution’s employees were supposed to pack their belongings.
The posters bore the slogans “Suitcase, train station, Moscow” and “No to Kremlin propaganda!”
Another protest took place nearby. It was attended by just over ten people, who waved the white-blue-white flags of the Russian opposition.
They also called for the closure of the “Russian House.”
One of the signs read: “Lock up the spies’ nest.”
A large number of police officers maintained order during all three protests.
Participants’ access to the rally sites was restricted to prevent clashes between supporters and opponents of closing the “Russian House.”
Thus, Berlin became the site of simultaneous protests with opposing positions on the future operation of the Russian cultural and information center.
DW reports this.
Germany will terminate the agreement under which the Russian House on Friedrichstrasse in Berlin operates. This was announced by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. The decision was one of the measures taken in response to the attempted drone attack on Leipzig/Halle Airport on August 4, which the German side links to Russia.
