They were celebrating for cosmopolitanism and tolerance – and were attacked hatefully.
At the end of the Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Halle, several people were attacked by a brutal group of thugs, one of the victims (41) suffered serious injuries.
According to initial investigations by the police, a group at the Schülershof was approached by four strange men in the evening after the parade and insulted.
According to the newspaper BILD, they were referring to the sexual orientation of the CSD participants, and homophobic insults were made. Then the men started fighting!
“The persons with a southern appearance subsequently attacked the group with punches and kicks,” a police spokeswoman explained. “In the process, a 41-year-old man was so seriously injured that he had to be taken to hospital afterwards. Three other victims were treated at the scene by the ambulance service.”
After the attack, the perpetrators managed to flee. The police immediately launched a manhunt – with success. Officers were able to apprehend two of the suspected thugs while they were still near the crime scene. They were two Afghans aged 16 and 20.
On Saturday, thousands of people took part in the celebration of the CSD for the rights of homosexual and queer people. It is about the acceptance and equal rights of gays, lesbians, bi- and intersexuals as well as trans people. Symbol for this: the rainbow colours.
In Halle, about 2800 people took part in the parade through the city. According to the police, the event was largely peaceful. However, there were repeated insults between participants and about 20 counter-demonstrators.