BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg fights against violence and discrimination!

BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg fights against violence and discrimination!

The Brandenburg Technical University of Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU) has taken a vehement position against discrimination and violence in its region. This reaction comes at a time of worrying social development, which is also noticeable in Lusatia. The attack on the youth club “Jamm” in Senftenberg, which was attacked by over 30 masked people on March 1st and 2nd, 2025, was particularly alarming.

Loud b-tu.de the attackers tried to break into the building. But the quick reaction of those responsible on site, who were able to bring the visitors inside and close the doors, prevented forced entry. The police and state security have started the investigation, although a political background cannot be ruled out. BTU President Prof. Gesine Grande expressly condemned the willingness to use violence and expressed her solidarity with those affected.

Attack on the youth club

The youth club “Jamm”, a well-known place for cultural initiatives since 1992, was specifically attacked by right-wing extremists tagesspiegel.de reported. Late in the evening on Saturday, the police received an emergency call, which was followed by a large-scale operation. The attackers shouted right-wing slogans during the incident, underlining the seriousness of this attack. Witnesses reported that shortly before the attack, conspicuous cars were observed nearby, with drivers apparently observing the surroundings.

The attackers are said to have connections to the fan scene of the Energie Cottbus football club, which has already attracted attention through right-wing extremist activities in the past. The operator of the “Jamm”, Sara Orlamünder, described the attack as an attack “on all of us”. Many of the young guests were affected by the attack and described fear and horror.

Social framework conditions

In the context of these attacks, it is important to also consider the increasing willingness to use violence in the right-wing extremist spectrum in Germany. Loud bpb.de The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution estimates that there are around 32,000 right-wing extremist people in Germany, 13,000 of whom are considered to be violent. In recent years the number of right-wing extremist crimes has increased significantly. A total of 23,604 right-wing motivated crimes were registered in 2020, representing an increase in violent crimes of over 10% compared to the previous year.

The social atmosphere is characterized by fears and hostility that are aimed not only at those who think differently politically, but also at prominent members of society. The murder of District President Walter Lübcke by a right-wing extremist and the attacks in Hanau are just a few examples of the brutal reality that many people in Germany are currently experiencing.

The BTU has positioned itself clearly and reaffirms its commitment to cosmopolitanism, tolerance and a democratic culture. The attack on the youth club “Jamm” shows that this fight must also be waged locally and that solidarity with those affected is essential.