02-06-2025
Fearless Against the Right – DW – 06/02/2025
Right-wing radicals are becoming increasingly vocal in Germany. But many people oppose them and are fighting to defend democracy. Where do they find the courage to stand up to this sometimes-violent milieu?
Right-wing extremists are stronger than ever. In cities, the counter movement is strong and highly visible. But in more rural areas, anyone openly opposing the far right often has to reckon with threats and attempts at intimidation. A film team accompanied just some of the individuals whose resistance puts them at great personal risk.
Image: WDR
Ocean Hale campaigns against the right in rural Saxony. In contrast to the demonstrations that take place in large cities such as Dresden and Leipzig, demonstrations in favor of a tolerant and diverse Germany are relatively small here. Most people either march openly on the opposite side or keep their political views to themselves. But Ocean isn't afraid to show his face. He's already organized two Christopher Street Days in the small town of Waldheim, and isn't deterred by death threats and acid attacks.
Image: WDR
Magdalena has launched the #ReclaimTikTok initiative. Together with others, she produces as much content as possible, all under the label: tolerant and anti-fascist. The campaign has already caught the attention of far-right activist Martin Sellner. Since her real name has been shared on various right-wing social media channels, Magdalena is also having to take greater care as she goes about her everyday life.
Image: WDR
Jacob is an independent blogger and photographer in Gera, Thuringia. Whenever members of theReichsbürger(Reich Citizens) movement gather from all over Germany for demonstrations in his hometown, he reports from crowd. Jacob thinks many people are irritated by these regular far-right rallies in Gera, but that they're afraid to speak out. His aim: to document and inform, in order to increase public awareness.
Ocean, Magdalena, Jacob - they're all taking personal risks and sacrificing their free time and anonymity to stand up for an open-minded society. What drives them? Where do they find their courage, when things get risky?
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