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Berlin's Radical Left Burns Christmas Trees in Dramatic Bonfire at Rigaer Straße

Flames leapt into the night as Berlin's radical scene turned holiday trees into a fiery spectacle. Who was behind it—and why?

The image shows a building in Berlin, Germany, adorned with festive Christmas lights. The building...
The image shows a building in Berlin, Germany, adorned with festive Christmas lights. The building is surrounded by trees and light poles, and there are boards with text on them. The sky is visible in the background, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Christmas trees burn in Rigaer Street in Friedrichshain - Berlin's Radical Left Burns Christmas Trees in Dramatic Bonfire at Rigaer Straße

A large bonfire of old Christmas trees was lit in Berlin's Friedrichshain district on Tuesday evening. The flames rose high at a well-known intersection near a left-wing squat, drawing attention from locals and firefighters alike. No injuries or property damage were reported, as the fire remained contained in an open area.

The fire took place at the so-called 'village square'—a nickname used by the left-wing radical scene around Rigaer Straße 94. Around ten Christmas trees were burned in the blaze, which was captured in a video posted on Instagram. Firefighters arrived to extinguish the flames, ensuring nearby residents faced no danger.

Flyers had been distributed earlier, inviting people to gather at 11:00 PM on Tuesday. The announcement described the event as a way to 'warm up these cold, dark Berlin days' and 'lighten up the drab streets.' While the flyers were signed by 'Chaoten' (rioters), it remains unclear who organised the bonfire.

The location, at the intersection of Rigaer Straße and Liebigstraße, is a familiar spot for left-wing gatherings. Despite the dramatic flames, the fire stayed within the open space and did not spread to surrounding buildings.

The bonfire was extinguished without incident, leaving no lasting damage. Authorities have not confirmed who was responsible for the event, though flyers had advertised it in advance. The gathering drew attention to the area's ongoing role as a focal point for left-wing activism in Berlin.

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