Leipzig in turmoil: three houses occupied – police are investigating activists!

Leipzig in turmoil: three houses occupied – police are investigating activists!

At the weekend there were several squats in Leipzig that made headlines. An empty residential building in the Lindenau district was occupied on Friday evening, but the police found it on Saturday night and evacuated the building. During this campaign, up to 70 people took part in a meeting in front of the house. In the following days, the group “Autonomous Occupation Days Leipzig (ABeTa)” continued their protest actions, which ultimately led to the occupation of an empty villa in the east of Leipzig.

The 25-year-old woman and the 25-year-old man were found by the police on the occupied site and are now facing investigations for trespassing and property damage. According to police, several doors were kicked in and banners were hung on the facade. During the occupation, up to 80 people peacefully stood guard outside the site, which was uninhabited at the time of the survey. The occupation was made public on Sunday afternoon via social networks.

Political motivation of the actions

The ABeTa group is pursuing a clear goal with its campaign: they want to draw attention to the difficult situation on the housing market and combat isolation in the city. In a published usage concept for Villa Krause it was stated that a neighborhood center should be built there. Facilities such as event rooms, youth activities and a café are planned. The aim of this initiative is not only to create living space, but also to strengthen the neighborhoods.

The occupation of rooms is therefore also an expression of dissatisfaction with the unfair distribution of property and “rent madness”. Juliane Nagel, city councilor for the Left, described the actions as legitimate. She was there herself and expressed her understanding of the impatience of young people waiting for affordable housing. She added that there is an acute lack of space for charitable and social gatherings in Leipzig.

Further investigation and response

Parallel to the squatting, investigations are currently underway against two 23-year-olds and a 29-year-old for similar incidents. The state security agency has started the investigation because political motivation is suspected behind the actions. This assessment is also supported by a recent attack on the southeast police station in Leipzig-Connewitz.

The ABeTa group has already announced that further line-ups could follow this week. City authorities and police are on guard to avoid further conflict while maintaining public order. Developments will continue to be monitored closely over the next few days.