“No propaganda for remigration” was the motto of two demonstrations in Marburg. The Austrian far-right extremist Martin Sellner planned an evening reading in the city, but thousands of people protested against it.
On Monday, two demonstrations took place in Marburg against Martin Sellner, who is classified as a far-right extremist in Germany. Sellner was initially scheduled to hold a reading from his new book in the city, which was set to take place in the private rooms of a fraternity affiliated with the “Identitarian Movement,” according to hr information.
However, the police reported late in the evening that the reading did not take place in Marburg but in the neighboring town of Gladenbach (Marburg-Biedenkopf). It was unclear if Sellner had relocated the event.
Over 3,500 protesters in Marburg
Around 1,000 participants joined the first demonstration against Sellner’s reading in the afternoon, starting from the Marburg market square and marching to three fraternities known for their connections to the “Identitarian Movement,” according to the police.
The second demonstration in the evening saw approximately 3,000 people, according to the organizers, while the police estimated 2,500 participants. Mayor Thomas Spies (SPD) was also present at the event held in front of the Erwin-Piscator-Haus, Marburg’s city hall.
“We fight for an open, colorful society”
“We fight for an open, colorful, and just society where everyone has their place,” Mayor Spies said in his evening speech, emphasizing his commitment to defending the country’s core values. “A clear stance against right-wing extremism is part of my oath of office. There should be no room for this, neither here nor anywhere else,” he told hr.
The protest was organized by the city and a new network for democracy and against right-wing extremism, comprising Marburg associations, organizations, and individuals. The message was clear: Marburg is open-minded, with no space for propaganda and incitement.
Two of the three fraternities targeted by the demo distanced themselves from Sellner on Monday, stating that no reading would take place on their premises. The Marburg “Alliance Against the Right” and the Left Party called for the demonstration.
Police issue dispersal orders
In the evening, the police reported an incident near the Marburg fairground where about 150 demonstrators blocked streets and set off smoke bombs. The police issued dispersal orders and removed some individuals from the road.
The demonstrations led to significant traffic disruptions in the city, with a large police presence in the downtown area. The police force included several hundred officers, and a police drone was used to monitor the situation.
Marburg officially disapproves of Sellner’s appearance
The city of Marburg, except for the AfD, had previously taken a clear stance against Sellner and his reading in a resolution: “The university city of Marburg strongly disapproves of Martin Sellner propagating theses for the expulsion of part of our residents.” Sellner’s ideas were described as a “threat to our community, democracy, and constitution.”
Sellner had previously prevented an entry ban to Germany with an emergency application ahead of a reading in Potsdam in April. Several countries, including the USA and the UK, have effective entry bans against the Austrian.
Sellner’s “Master Plan for Remigration”
Sellner, an activist and author, is considered a key figure and strategist of the “Identitarian Movement,” classified as far-right by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution. In November, he presented his “Master Plan for Remigration” in Potsdam.
In his book, Sellner outlines his vision of a “model state” in North Africa, where he aims to relocate up to two million people, primarily Afghans.
Sellner rejected the city’s accusations that his theses were inhumane and a threat to the community.
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