Neo-Nazis in Cottbus: Attacks on diversity and the return of bomber jackets!

Neo-Nazis in Cottbus: Attacks on diversity and the return of bomber jackets!

In Cottbus, a city in the heart of Brandenburg, the situation surrounding right-wing extremism has noticeably worsened in recent years. On May 23, 2025, the left-wing alternative housing project Zelle 79 was once again the victim of an attack. Five masked attackers tried to break down the front door and lit Bengali torches in the backyard, starting a fire. Fortunately, the residents were able to put out the fire quickly, but the slogans such as “Adolf Hitler Hooligans” testify to the aggressiveness of the perpetrators, who are attributed to the increasingly strong neo-Nazi scene in Cottbus. Jungle World reports that the appearance of the young neo-Nazis is strongly influenced by the image of violent football fans. The fan base of FC Energie Cottbus in particular plays a central role in this dangerous network.

This consolidated scene is closely linked to the small party “Der III. Weg” and its youth organization, the National Revolutionary Youth (NRJ). Both groups contribute to the mobilization and organization of young right-wing extremists. There are also significant connections to the classic Cottbus Nazi scene and the football milieu. The May 23 attackers could exemplify a tactic that harkens back to the so-called baseball bat years of the 1990s, where the style of bomber jackets, a popular item of clothing for East German Nazi skins, was very popular.

The situation of the fan scene

FC Energie Cottbus is aware of the problem and has been actively looking for ways to combat the influence of right-wing ultras and their demonstrations of power in the stadium for two years. A large banner on the north stand is interpreted as a symbol of the right-wing extremist ultra group Inferno Cottbus 1999, which officially disbanded in 2017 but is still active. The Brandenburg Office for the Protection of the Constitution estimates the number of right-wing extremists in Cottbus at around 170 and assumes that the neo-Nazi scene in the city has developed into one of the best organized in eastern Germany, as Deutschlandfunk Kultur reports.

The problem is not only limited to the city, but also extends to the surrounding regions. Recently, Mayor Holger Kelch has emphasized that the challenges of right-wing extremism affect all of southern Brandenburg. Several initiatives, such as “Energy Fans Against Nazis”, have taken a position against right-wing extremism, but are repeatedly put under pressure by neo-Nazis. Last week a crisis meeting took place between the association, the Office for the Protection of the Constitution and the city leadership in order to develop solutions.

Joint commitment against the right

The city of Cottbus has set itself the goal of taking more action against right-wing extremist movements. At a meeting between the “Cottbuser Aufbruch” association and the “indivisible Südbrandenburg” initiative, the need for a long-term commitment became clear. Everyone involved agrees that the areas of business, media, sport, culture, family, daycare, schools and science must not be left to the right-wing extremists. Managing directors of the “Cottbus Nazifrei” initiative expressed sharp criticism of the current measures taken by the city and the association and called for more efficient solutions to effectively push back the influence of the neo-Nazi scene. The Office for the Protection of the Constitution is even observing a change in tactics among right-wing extremists who are withdrawing from the public eye, which further complicates the situation.

Mayor Tobias Schick (SPD) has made it clear in his public statements that right-wing extremism represents the greatest threat to democracy and freedom in Germany. It is therefore essential to act together against these trends and to support threatened and attacked projects in the region. The “Safe Places” initiative founded in the region also aims to provide support and support in order to arm themselves against these attacks.