Monday, June 23
Construction work begins on the Görlitzer Park fence
The proposed fencing-off and nighttime closure of Görlitzer Park has been the subject of heated debate for over two years. Today, however, marks the first time that actual construction work on the fence will take place – and it will be met with protests.
Supporters of the security measures point to a high crime rate in and around the area, with 190 violent offences such as assault and robbery reported last year. Opponents, meanwhile, argue that the fence is a piece of political theatre that fails to address the root causes of crime. The issue has also become a political flashpoint for Berlin’s CDU mayor, who aims to present himself as tough on crime, in contrast to local Green Party politicians advocating to keep the park open.
The plans involve fencing off the entire park and constructing a series of entrance gates, which are expected to be completed by the end of the year.
This evening, a protest against the fence will begin with a concert at Spreewaldplatz at 17:00, followed by a march around the area at 18:00. The organisers are using the slogan “Tag Z” – or Day Z – to mark the start of construction on the controversial fence, or Zaun.
