Giessen, Germany – Chaos unfolded during the Eritrean festival held in the city of Giessen, resulting in violent riots that left 26 police officers injured, reports Hurriyet Daily. The incident, which occurred during what was originally intended as a family event, has raised concerns due to political lectures and the close association of the festival organizers with the African state’s government, as reported by the German publication Spiegel.
According to local law enforcement, the police officers were subjected to a barrage of attacks, with rioters hurling stones, bottles, and smoke bombs at them. The sheer scale of the violence overwhelmed the authorities, leaving dozens of officers wounded and requiring medical attention.
The decision to host the festival in Giessen has sparked controversy on multiple fronts. The inclusion of political lectures, which deviated from the event’s initial focus on family-oriented activities, drew criticism and raised questions about the festival’s objectives. Furthermore, the festival organizers’ close ties to the Eritrean government have added to the contentious nature of the event.
This is not the first time that the Eritrean festival in Giessen has been marred by unrest. In 2022, similar clashes occurred, further highlighting the underlying tensions surrounding the event. Despite attempts by the city authorities to prohibit the festival, a court ruling overturned the decision, allowing it to proceed.
Anticipating potential opposition to the festival, approximately one thousand police officers were deployed to maintain order. However, clashes erupted between the demonstrators and law enforcement, leading to a volatile situation on the streets. The police employed various measures, including batons, pepper spray, and a water cannon, in their efforts to disperse the crowd and restore calm. More than 200 individuals were subsequently detained in connection with the riots.
The violent incidents during the Eritrean festival in Giessen underscore the challenges faced by authorities in maintaining public order during highly charged events. The clashes serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between the right to peaceful assembly and the need to ensure public safety. The aftermath of the riots will likely prompt a thorough review of security protocols and event management strategies to prevent such occurrences in the future.
As investigations into the riots continue, it is crucial for all stakeholders to engage in open dialogue and foster mutual understanding. The incident highlights the importance of peaceful coexistence and respectful expression of opinions within the framework of the law. By addressing the underlying concerns and engaging in constructive conversations, it is hoped that future events can be held with greater harmony and inclusivity, promoting a sense of unity among diverse communities.
Hooliganism, Not Activism: Unveiling the True Motives behind Recent Disturbances in Giessen, Germany
The events that unfolded over the weekend in Giessen, Germany, were not an expression of activism, advocacy, or peaceful protesting for a cause. They were acts of hooliganism and destruction carried out by individuals who failed to grasp the fundamental principles of democracy and freedom. These actions aimed to terrorize the Eritrean German communities, who were peacefully celebrating a cultural event to honor their heritage, a tradition they have upheld for over 40 years.
To comprehend the significance of these incidents, one must examine the root cause. Similar incidents occurred last year, and now they have recurred. However, it is crucial to note that the perpetrators responsible for these acts of terrorism are not Eritreans but rather Tigrayans from Ethiopia residing in Western countries. They deceitfully claim to be Eritreans seeking asylum while stealing Eritrean identities from the four UNHCR refugee camps situated in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. This identity theft has been facilitated by the former ruling party in Ethiopia, TPLF, which has harbored ambitions of creating a greater Tigray by eradicating and undermining Eritrean identities.
Statistics indicate that approximately 98% of those claiming to be Eritreans in Western countries are Tigrayans engaged in these acts of terrorism and destruction. Their purported objective is to oppose and protest against the Eritrean government. However, this claim is an enormous falsehood for two significant reasons. Firstly, the event that was targeted had nothing to do with politics; it was purely a cultural celebration. The attendees were not Eritrean government officials but members of the Eritrean European communities. Secondly, the Eritrean government is based in Eritrea, so what have these destructive actions achieved apart from disturbing the peaceful German society?
The answer lies in the historical context of the situation. Two years ago, the TPLF initiated a war against the Ethiopian federal government in an attempt to regain the power they had lost due to a popular uprising in 2018. Their campaign failed miserably, and as part of their ill-advised strategy, they also provoked the Eritrean government by launching more than 30 missiles. In response, the Eritrean Defense Force effectively neutralized the threat. The recent disturbances can be seen as an act of revenge, aimed at tarnishing the name of Eritrea by adopting uncivilized behavior while pretending to be Eritreans.
These reprehensible actions not only disrupt the peace of German society but also undermine the credibility of legitimate activism and protest. They detract attention from genuine causes and erode public support for those working towards positive change. The Eritrean German communities, who have peacefully celebrated their cultural heritage for decades, should not be subjected to such acts of violence and intimidation.
It is essential for authorities in Western countries to carefully scrutinize the identities and motives of those claiming asylum and ensure that fraudulent practices, such as the theft of Eritrean identities, are effectively addressed. Furthermore, investigations must be conducted to identify the instigators and financiers behind these acts of hooliganism, regardless of their nationality. Justice must prevail, and those responsible should be held accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, what transpired in Giessen, Germany, was not a display of activism, advocacy, or genuine protest. It was a disturbing act of hooliganism perpetrated by individuals who sought to terrorize the Eritrean German communities celebrating a peaceful cultural event. The motives behind these actions can be traced back to Tigrayans from Ethiopia, falsely claiming to be Eritreans, with the intention of undermining Eritrean identities. It is imperative to expose the truth and denounce these acts in order to protect the principles of democracy, freedom, and peaceful coexistence.