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Violence in Lusatia: Attack on Cottbus housing project shocks the city!
The BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg campaigns against violence and discrimination and shows solidarity after recent attacks.
Violence in Lusatia: Attack on Cottbus housing project shocks the city!
The Brandenburg Technical University of Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU) has explicitly positioned itself against violent attacks and attempts at intimidation in the region. The background to this statement is worrying developments in Lusatia, where attacks on students and alternative scene projects have increased in recent months. These incidents shine a bright light on the challenges facing the region, particularly with regard to the rise in right-wing extremist violence.
In December 2024 and February 2025, students in Cottbus were persecuted and attacked. A particularly serious incident occurred on the night of March 1st to 2nd, 2025, when over 30 masked people attacked the “Jamm” youth club in Senftenberg. On May 24, 2025, there was a massive attack on the “Zelle 79” housing project in Cottbus, portrayed by suspected right-wing extremist attackers who attacked the building with firecrackers and flares and shouted anti-constitutional slogans.
Attacks on alternative projects
The “Cell 79 House Project” sees itself as a free space for alternative culture, education and self-managed living. During the attack, residents reported firecrackers, smoke and flames. The perpetrators damaged the door of the building and apparently tried to break into the interior. State security is already investigating this case because a political background cannot be ruled out. So far, the numerous attacks - particularly on left-wing establishments and youth clubs in southern Brandenburg - are alarming and should be seen in the context of increasing right-wing extremist radicalism.
BTU President Prof. Gesine Grande expressed deep dismay at the willingness to use violence expressed in these attacks. The faculty and members of the BTU showed solidarity with the victims of these attacks. In the region - especially in Cottbus, which is considered a hotspot for the right-wing scene - the last few months have been marked by an increase in intimidation and violent incidents.
Social reactions
Cottbus Mayor Tobias Schick (SPD) is planning talks to improve the protection of such facilities. He emphasizes the need to create an atmosphere without fear in order to attract skilled workers to the region. Brandenburg's new Interior Minister René Wilke has already contacted the mayor to address the situation. In the context of these developments, particular attention is drawn to the threat posed by right-wing extremist structures, which represents an increased risk not only locally but nationwide.
The increase in right-wing extremist crimes is not new. According to reports, there are now around 32,000 people in Germany who are considered right-wing extremists, of whom around 13,000 are violent. This dynamic is reflected in a worrying increase in violent crimes, with over 23,604 right-wing extremist crimes recorded in 2020 alone.
The BTU has taken a clear position against discrimination and violence and is committed to supporting those affected. These events are not just a few more attacks, but part of a larger, worrying trend that urgently requires a comprehensive social and political response.