Sachsen: Pirna Dismantles Refugee Exhibition Before Opening

City Council Rejects Exhibition on Grounds of Lack of Objectivity

The City of Pirna has removed an exhibition about refugees even before its official opening. The exhibition, titled "Fluchtpunkt Pirna" (Flight Point Pirna), was set to open on Wednesday at the Stadtmuseum Pirna but was dismantled after the city council voted to reject it.

The exhibition presented the experiences of refugees who had come to Pirna in recent years. It featured photographs, texts, and artwork created by the refugees themselves.

Criticism and Controversy

The decision to remove the exhibition has sparked controversy. Critics say that the city council is caving in to pressure from right-wing groups who oppose immigration. They argue that the exhibition provides an important opportunity to learn about the experiences of refugees and to promote understanding.

Supporters of the city council's decision say that the exhibition was not objective and that it presented a one-sided view of the refugee issue. They say that the exhibition should have included more information about the challenges that refugees face, such as poverty and crime.

Mayor Defends Decision

In a statement, Mayor Klaus-Peter Hanke defended the city council's decision. He said that the exhibition was "not balanced" and that it did not provide a "comprehensive picture" of the refugee issue.

Hanke also said that the city council had received complaints from citizens who were concerned about the exhibition. He said that the council had decided to remove the exhibition in order to "avoid further conflict."

Reactions from Refugee Groups

Refugee groups have condemned the city council's decision. They say that the exhibition provides an important opportunity to learn about the experiences of refugees and to promote understanding.

They also say that the city council's decision is a sign of the growing intolerance towards refugees in Germany. They say that the council is sending the message that refugees are not welcome in Pirna.

Conclusion

The decision to remove the refugee exhibition in Pirna has sparked controversy. Critics say that the city council is caving in to pressure from right-wing groups who oppose immigration. Supporters of the city council's decision say that the exhibition was not objective and that it presented a one-sided view of the refugee issue.

The decision is a sign of the growing intolerance towards refugees in Germany. It sends the message that refugees are not welcome in Pirna.