Münster in a state of emergency: Seven demos against right-wing extremists today!

Münster in a state of emergency: Seven demos against right-wing extremists today!

There is a significant clash between right-wing extremist and opposite protest movements in the city of Münster today. Overall, numerous people were mobilized for July 19, 2025, the day of the seven scheduled demonstrations, which caused significant traffic problems in advance. The police are prepared for a tense situation, which is exacerbated by an unclear legal situation surrounding the funeral of the neo-Nazi Siegfried Borchardt. WDR reports that the city of Dortmund is trying to keep Borchardt's funeral anonymous in order to prevent a place of pilgrimage for right-wing extremists from emerging.

A similar event took place two weeks ago and was attended by around 120 people. The resistance against the right-wing extremists became great: over 1,100 people took a stand and demonstrated peacefully against extremist views. However, there were also riots during this action. The police had to intervene when some demonstrators appeared with black, white and red flags, which was seen as “paramilitary behavior”. 39 personal details were recorded and a total of 75 criminal complaints were filed, which sends a clear message against this type of extremism.

Various protests in Münster

A total of seven meetings have been registered for today in downtown Münster. In addition to Borchardt's right-wing extremist supporters, four private individuals have also announced their protest and are taking a stand against the extremist attitudes with a parade. Two other assemblies dealing with the topics “Children in Gaza” and “Paving the way for peace in Iran” are also central to this demonstration. This large number of events offers a multi-layered background in which different social concerns manifest themselves.

Police have made extensive preparations to ensure security during the demonstrations. No-parking zones and road closures were set up, especially in the area between the main train station and Ludgeriplatz, where the demonstrations are concentrated. Around 1,000 information flyers were distributed to inform residents and business operators about the upcoming restrictions. A citizen hotline has also been set up so that those interested can receive up-to-date information about the meetings.

Increase in right-wing extremist tendencies

To better understand the context of these demonstrations, it is worth taking a look at recent developments in the right-wing extremist spectrum. According to Verfassungsschutz, the violence-oriented potential of people in Germany has increased in the last year and is now around 15,300 people. This worrying development is reflected in the static numbers of right-wing extremist crimes, which rose to a total of 37,835 in 2024 - an increase of over 47% compared to the previous year. In particular, violent and physical assault crimes with a xenophobic background are increasing, which requires further action from society.

With this in mind, a platform for diverse voices was created in Münster today. The protest against right-wing extremism offers the opportunity to take a stand against hatred and intolerance and to address the many challenges that affect our society today. Today is the day when many citizens show that they stand up for an open, multicultural society.