Resistance in Düsseldorf Bilk: Public stands firm against AfD demonstration

Protest Against AfD Holds in Düsseldorf

In a show of opposition to the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, a protest was held in Düsseldorf on Thursday, 20th February. The demonstration took place outside the Bürgerhaus Bilk at the Düsseldorf Arcades, where an AfD podium discussion was scheduled for 7 PM.

The podium discussion was to feature AfD politicians Dr. Martin Vincentz, Kay Gottschalk, Tobias Ebenberger, Marco Vogt, and Andrea Kraljic. Registration was mandatory for the event, and spontaneous participants were not allowed.

Despite the rainy weather, a significant number of Düsseldorf residents turned out to voice their disapproval of the AfD. Several hundred protesters gathered behind barriers, making their stance on the party clear with slogans and whistles.

Photographs taken by Dirk Schmidt show various messages in large format on the wall, expressing opposition to the AfD. Messages included "No space for hate and incitement by the AfD," "Düsseldorf says no to the AfD and yes to democracy and diversity," and "All together against fascism."

The organizers also projected messages onto the wall opposite the Bürger hall. These messages read "Refugees are welcome here! Bring your families," "Who votes for the AfD votes for racism," and "No space for hate and incitement by the AfD."

The protests against the AfD at Bürgerhaus Bilk in Düsseldorf were organized by local antifascist groups and civic initiatives, as depicted in a photo by Dirk Schmidt. Many organizations, as shown in the same photo, called for the protest.

Police and security forces were present to maintain order, preventing protesters from entering the Bürgerhaus Bilk. Despite this, the protest was peaceful and orderly, reflecting the sentiment of the Düsseldorf community against the AfD.

The Düsseldorf stands up (DSSQ) had earlier called for a protest against the AfD, urging citizens to make their voices heard. The protest was held in response to the AfD's podium discussion at the Bürgerhaus Bilk at the Düsseldorf Arcades.