Last Friday, as the collective “Freiraum RSE”, we occupied the red corner house, the Schwarz-Rote-Ecke, at Bahnhofsstraße 23. At that time, the building had already been vacant for more than two years, after the owner had kicked out associations such as the Aids-Hilfe, the AWO and the Oldenburg Fan Project due to their own needs. By now the house is for sale for 750,000 euros (without the owner ever having used it privately).
When we revealed the occupation at about 17:30, many comrades were already on site to support us to build an open space and to hold it. We had atmosphere on the street through music and chants.
Unfortunately, the police prevented us from staying in the building and establishing an open space there. They not only entered the occupied building without permission, but also rejected and prevented any attempts at communication and negotiation. The police has again protectect private interests and property, such as this empty house, which could be used so much better just now in winter. Nevertheless, we managed to get things going inside the house. With the few materials we had we tried to keep the police and their eyes and cameras outside by blocking the windows. By doing this we were able to create a self-managed space, if only for a few hours.
We also resisted the eviction as long as possible. After a part of the activists left the building voluntarily, another part entrenched themselves and then let themselves be evicted. Four people were taken into custody by the police, but were allowed to leave the police station the same evening. All activists are physically well.
We are disappointed by the behavior of the police and the fire department, which supported the police with their presence and manpower, although they did not have to and there was never any danger to life and limb. Nevertheless, we are thrilled by all the support in and in front of the house and hope that we can also build on you in the repressions that will follow!
We will not allow open spaces to be denied to us any longer and we will not let people be felt alone (on the streets) anymore. Stay tuned, for this is only the beginning.