Leipzig hit by violence over eviction of squatters
September 5, 2020
German police have said a group of protesters threw bottles and stones at officers in the eastern city of Leipzig. The unrest started after the authorities cleared out a squatter house.
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Around 200 to 300 people gathered in Leipzig's Connewitz district on Friday for the second night of violent protests, decrying the eviction of a squatter house earlier this week.
Protesters threw stones and bricks at a police station and arriving officers, set garbage cans on fire and laid burning barricades in the street, according to police.
Two police cars collided — an incident that was noisily cheered by demonstrators.
"Several stones were thrown at our task forces and vehicles," a police spokeswoman said. Eight police officers were injured, while six police vehicles were damaged.
Riot police and a helicopter were deployed to the scene. The officers used tear gas against the demonstrators, who were mostly hooded and dressed in black.
After the protest, which lasted for around 45 minutes, some residents helped to remove the barricades and to clean burning garbage cans from the streets.
More protests planned
During Thursday night's demonstration of around 100 people, police reported seeing similar disruption.
That night saw 22 arrests, with protesters charged with breach of the peace, attempted bodily harm, dangerous interference in air traffic and property damage.
Protesters gathered on both nights over the eviction of a squatter house on Wednesday, after the owner filed a criminal complaint for alleged trespassing.
Further demonstrations are planned for Saturday evening.
10 reasons to love Leipzig
In honor of the composer Johann Sebastian Bach, the Bach Festival 2022 will take place in Leipzig from June 9 to 19. The city has a lot to offer for tourists.
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From Bach to Opera: Musical Leipzig
Leipzig, home to the Gewandhaus concert hall and orchestra, as well as the famous Thomaner boys' choir, is a city of music. Johann Sebastian Bach lived and worked here from 1723 until 1750. The city even has a well-known opera house. Lonely Planet had many reasons to rank Leipzig No. 1 in German travel destinations, from music to alternative culture. Leipzig rocks!
Out and about
Leipzig is booming, drawing young people in particular. They are a major element of the lively, creative charm of the city. For instance, on the Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse, known locally as KarLi, you can find a mix of bars, unusual shops and some adventurous lofts in former factory buildings. Lonely Planet writes: "The city is young, exciting, multifaceted and full of vibrance."
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Happening Plagwitz
A must-see attraction is the Plagwitz district with its Karl-Heine-Strasse. Here, the city's work-in-progress charm is evident — new pubs have opened next to former factories, and cheap studios and offices attract artists and startups, while graffiti adorns the buildings that have not yet been developed. Many art, cultural and street events take place here, like the "Westpaket" flea market.
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Outings for every taste
Leipzig has many restaurants and cafes — which have reopened in compliance with strict COVID-19 rules — where you can enjoy the atmosphere of the old town. The club scene has also seen a revival. At the legendary Distillery Club, for example, cocktails can be enjoyed in the outdoor seating area while a DJ spins tunes. Dancing, however, remains strictly forbidden.
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The charm of decay
The many vacant areas in the city leave room for new ideas to develop, with former industrial buildings being used for parties and events. But there are many buildings that remain empty and are not in use — exploring them can be a fascinating activity in itself.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/P. Endig
Art instead of cotton
A renowned example of innovative development is the conversion of a former cotton mill factory building, the Spinnerei. With studios, galleries and exhibitions, this is the epicenter of Leipzig's art scene. The Eigen + Art gallery, based in this compound, created the New Leipzig School — a modern art movement — known internationally, with Neo Rauch as its most famous representative.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/H. Schmidt
Modern university with a long tradition
Leipzig is a city popular with students. Leipzig University was founded in 1409, making it the second-oldest in Germany. Famous poets like Gotthold Ephraim Lessing and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe studied here. The centrally located main building of the university, with its church — which got a new look in 2012 — brings student life into the heart of the city.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/H. Schmidt
From mining industry to water resort
In Leipzig, everything can be reached by bicycle — including the many man-made lakes surrounding the city. A popular gathering place is Cospudener See, a lake which is also known locally as "Cossi." It was created when a deep opencast mine was flooded. Its shores host Saxony's longest sandy beach, which is a well-known nudist zone.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/J. Woitas
Places to breathe deeply
Leipzig's inner city has ample green space, including Lene Voigt Park (pictured) and Clara Zetkin Park. Both get a lot of use when the weather is good, especially during the summer months. Many young people spend their time here playing volleyball, barbecuing or simply lounging in a hammock.
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The Wave Gothic Festival
Every year on Pentecost, an extraordinary spectacle happens in Leipzig's parks. Thousands of people dressed in black flock to the Wave Gothic Festival — the biggest of its kind in the world. For three days, "goths" put themselves on show while also attending concerts and parties. But not all of them wear just black — outfits include opulent Victorian dresses, wigs and artistic headwear.