Berlin culture senator criticizes threats over canceled swimming event

Berlin's Senator for Culture, Stefan Evers, has condemned the threats directed at the Volksbühne theater after a planned event was canceled. The event, which was to offer exclusive swimming access for members of the Black community, particularly children and youth, at a temporary "Volksbad" set up outside the theater, was called off due to safety concerns.

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Violence threats against an art project are just as unacceptable as the intimidation of critical voices.

Evers, who is also the lead candidate for the CDU in the upcoming Berlin elections, stated that threats of violence against an art project are as unacceptable as intimidating critical voices. He stressed that Berlin must be a safe haven for everyone, regardless of their appearance, whom they love, their beliefs, or their opinions.

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The whole city must be a safe place. For every person, regardless of how they look, whom they love, what they believe in, or what opinion they hold.

The cancellation followed discussions that included racist remarks and explicit threats. The organizers, Volksbühne and the "Each One Teach One" (Eoto) association, cited an inability to guarantee safe arrival and departure for attendees, as well as a relaxed atmosphere for the children. Evers further commented that art is meant to provoke and stimulate debate, and while disagreement and strong arguments are part of a free society, threats, intimidation, and violence are not.

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Art can provoke. It wants and should stimulate debates. That is its claim. That is its mission.

Political parties on the left and Green Party in Berlin criticized the cancellation. Elif Eralp, the lead candidate for the Left Party, called the situation "unbearable," highlighting how hate and incitement are spreading, forcing the cancellation of a swimming event for Black children. Green Party candidate Werner Graf labeled the situation a "scandal."

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Disagreement, criticism, and also tough arguments on the substance belong to a free society. What does not belong are threats, intimidation, or violence.