Vandalism to Karl-Marx statue: Police are looking for witnesses in Neubrandenburg

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Neubrandenburg (ots)

In the early evening of August 21, 2024, an employee of the Neubrandenburg city administration found property damage to the monumental Karl Marx statue at the Schwanenteich. An immediately informed police officer began the investigation into the incident, which is apparently a targeted attack on the historical monument.

Unknown perpetrators have significantly damaged the right arm of the statue and also sprayed an approximately 0.50 m by 0.50 m in the torso. These forms of vandalism are not only a property damage, but also represent a disturbing message that is directed against social values. The police estimate the damage to around 500 euros.

police investigations

The Neubrandenburg criminal police immediately initiated investigations. It is examined whether the perpetrators are a group that acts out of political motives. The suspicion of the common property damage and the use of unconstitutional symbols is expressed. This is a serious offense that is not only legally pursued, but also questions the values of an open society.

The police therefore call on witnesses that have made relevant observations. Information can be given to the Neubrandenburg police force on 0395/55825224. There is also the possibility to inform information about the internet guard of the state police.

  • Date of the incident: August 21, 2024
  • time: approximately 6:15 p.m.
  • Location: Karl-Marx statue, Schwanenteich, Neubrandenburg
  • damage: approx. 500 euros

The first chief police chief Holger Bahls has taken responsibility for the operations management and encourages citizens to actively help. "Every little observation could be decisive," he emphasizes. In the context of the size and importance of the statue, this incident is not only an attack on a monument to the historical heritage, but also contributes to the social debate about dealing with history and its symbols.

The statics of memory

monument preservation and the preservation of relics of history play an important role in society. Statues are not just tourist attractions; They also act as contemporary witnesses and valuable scars of the past. Vandalism at the Karl Marx statue asks the question of social responsibility and the different perceptions of historical figures. It reflects the tensions within society on the role of the past today.

The statue itself not only stands for Karl Marx, one of the most important thinkers of the 19th century, but is also seen as an expression of the political ideals and conflicts that continue to have an impact today. Attacks on such monuments are a signal for deeper social conflicts and debates about collective identity and how we deal with the historical narratives.

The incident has far -reaching implications and could lead to a broader discussion about the values of our society. It remains to be seen how the investigation develops and whether such actions will continue to be tolerated in public. The reactions of the population are crucial to make it clear that vandalism and extremist statements should not be part of the political argument.

background information on the Karl Marx statue in Neubrandenburg

The Karl Marx statue in Neubrandenburg, which was set up on the site of the Schwanenteich in 1970, is an important cultural and historical landmark. Built during the GDR period, it not only serves as a monument to the philosopher and economist Karl Marx, but also as a symbol of political ideology and socialism, which was strongly propagated in the former German Democratic Republic. Such monuments were part of public space to immortalize the values of socialist society.

The statue is also a central element of controversy and debates. In recent decades, the public interest in culture of remembrance and monuments that have been connected to the past of the GDR has increased. The discussion about whether these statues are preserved, removed or converted is part of a wider social discourse on the processing of history and dealing with inheritance and symbolism. This complex discussion is particularly emphasized in vandalism or property damage cases such as the current incident at the statue.

Current statistics on vandalism in Germany

According to a survey by the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), there has been an increase in vandalism offenses in Germany in recent years. In 2022, a total of over 60,000 cases of intentional property damage were registered. The proportion of politically motivated crimes also increases, which is reflected in the increase in vandalism of monuments and symbols of different historical and political importance.

In a survey of 2021, around 42% of those surveyed stated that they take care of the security of monuments and historical sites in their city. This shows that the public interest in the preservation of cultural values is strongly pronounced, as is the desire for respectful use of history. Vandalism acts, such as the one at the Karl Marx statue, can thus be interpreted as an expression of a deeper social area of tension.

social reactions to vandalism

vandalism of monuments, especially those with a political relationship, often causes shared opinions. While some consider the protection of cultural goods as a duty, there are also voices that believe that the destruction or the disguise of such monuments can be a form of protests. This is particularly evident in the debate about the evaluation of statues associated with controversial historical persons.

It is important to understand the perspectives of different social groups in order to have a respectful discussion. In many cases, citizens are calling for initiatives to rehabilitate or redesign monuments and public places in order to reflect the story from different perspectives. The incident at the Karl Marx statue could therefore serve as a hanger for a broader discussion about collective memory and the importance of monuments in today's society.