Germany: Migrants fight Berlin police
01 May 1995
A hostel for Vietnamese immigrants in the Marzahn area of Berlinwas the scene of heavy fighting on 5 May. Residents reacted angrily to the violent treatment by police of traders selling groceries in the hostel courtyard. According to newspaper reports, police are alleged to have beaten one of the traders unconscious. Hostel residents sealed the entrance to the courtyard and pelted the 30 or so police officers present with stones and household objects (including microwave ovens). Police are said to have replied with teargas and baton charges. Teargas is also said to have been used inside the hostel itself, which houses infants and young children. Seven residents were officially reported injured in the fighting, including one child with head wounds. According to the police, 25 police officers were injured, and six hostel residents arrested. The confrontation lasted over 3 hours.
Berlin Anti-Racist Information Network.