1.mai87_09
Probably the third in what has become a regular event. The traditional 1st May demonstration, supported by most of the leftish groups in Kreuzberg, Berlin, which is usually followed by street parties and events, breaks down into an orgy of violence. While the peaceful part of the left settles down to enjoy itself, a small group of "Autonomen" breaks the window of a drinks supermarket and distributes the spoils amongst the populace. The police, who are present in huge numbers, feels the need to step in and deploys with all the kit they have. The Autonomen fall back and pass through, the plaza where the street party is taking place. The first stones are thrown, the party dissolves in disarray and the remnants are assembled into provisional barricades. Tear gas is fired to break up the Autonomen and the water cannon moves up from the side streets where they were parked and begins to systematically hit protestors. I would have taken it more seriously if it had not been clear that the whole thing was degenerating into a ritual where both sides knew their role. In this light and with the growing "riot-tourism" which takes place, one can only see disaffected young men expressing typical violence beneath the guise of political action. I was using an F5 and an F4 with 80-200, 60, 28, 20mm lenses, Fuji 400@800asa. Certainly got the adrenaline going!
1.mai87_09
Probably the third in what has become a regular event. The traditional 1st May demonstration, supported by most of the leftish groups in Kreuzberg, Berlin, which is usually followed by street parties and events, breaks down into an orgy of violence. While the peaceful part of the left settles down to enjoy itself, a small group of "Autonomen" breaks the window of a drinks supermarket and distributes the spoils amongst the populace. The police, who are present in huge numbers, feels the need to step in and deploys with all the kit they have. The Autonomen fall back and pass through, the plaza where the street party is taking place. The first stones are thrown, the party dissolves in disarray and the remnants are assembled into provisional barricades. Tear gas is fired to break up the Autonomen and the water cannon moves up from the side streets where they were parked and begins to systematically hit protestors. I would have taken it more seriously if it had not been clear that the whole thing was degenerating into a ritual where both sides knew their role. In this light and with the growing "riot-tourism" which takes place, one can only see disaffected young men expressing typical violence beneath the guise of political action. I was using an F5 and an F4 with 80-200, 60, 28, 20mm lenses, Fuji 400@800asa. Certainly got the adrenaline going!