Berlin Eviction Turns Violent: 14 Injured as Homeless Residents Resist
A tense standoff in Berlin-Mitte ended with the eviction of a building housing formerly homeless individuals, despite protests from the 'Leerstand Hab-ich-saath' initiative. The initiative argues that the eviction is unjust, given the city's rising homelessness and the approaching winter. The eviction on October 20 involved around 130 officers, with 14 sustaining injuries from pyrotechnics and irritant gas. The conflict over the residential block has been ongoing for years, with the Mitte district office granting a demolition permit earlier this year. The property owner agreed to provide replacement housing at affordable rents in exchange for the permit. The eviction process was met with resistance. Unknown individuals attempted to force open a welded metal door in the stairwell, prompting security guards to barricade it. Two guards, aged 23 and 32, were assaulted with irritant gas, suffering respiratory and eye irritation. The barricade was later removed, and irritant gas was sprayed through a gap in the door. Paint-filled bags were thrown at employees of a masonry company hired by the building's owner. The state security division is investigating charges of assault, trespassing, and property damage related to the incidents. The eviction of the long-abandoned building has left former residents facing the prospect of homelessness again. The 'Leerstand Hab-ich-saath' initiative argues that the eviction is unacceptable, given Berlin’s rising homelessness and the approaching winter. Investigations into the incidents are ongoing.
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