Berlin's homeless face rising violence as vigil demands urgent action
A vigil against homelessness and forced evictions will take place at Berlin's Red Town Hall this Thursday. Organised by an alliance of homeless people and their supporters, the event follows a worrying rise in violent attacks on rough sleepers across the city. Speeches, support services, an exhibition, and concerts will form part of the evening's programme. Violence against homeless people in Berlin has climbed steadily over the past four years, with a sharp increase reported in 2024. Recent incidents include an assault on two individuals sleeping under a bridge near Berlin Central Station, leaving one with serious head injuries. Another attack saw a homeless woman stabbed in the back while sleeping near Yorckstraße station late on a Sunday night.
Meru, a former rough sleeper in Berlin, was brutally beaten in 2021, suffering seven knocked-out teeth, a broken jaw, and deep cuts. After recovering, they began volunteering in overnight cafés and leading guided tours to raise awareness of homelessness. Nicole Lindner, one of the vigil's organisers, has also highlighted the growing danger faced by those living on the streets.
Stefan May has spent 17 years cycling through Berlin at night as part of his Bike Tour for Homeless People initiative. His work provides direct support to rough sleepers, but official police data for 2023 does not specify how many were hospitalised due to assaults. The vigil at Red Town Hall will bring together activists, survivors, and allies to demand safer conditions for Berlin's homeless population. While no official figures confirm the full scale of attacks, organisers stress that the recent surge in violence requires urgent attention. The event aims to offer solidarity and push for concrete measures to protect vulnerable people.
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