How are Antifa-Ost, the war in Ukraine, Antifa = terrorist group, an American despot, and the bank accounts of German left-wing anti-repression structures connected? This fall, several political actors in Germany were affected. Among them were the anti-repression structures ABC Dresden and Rote Hilfe e.v: Our bank accounts were closed and several banks refused to open new ones. The reason? No official reason has been given to us so far. However, when we look at these events against the backdrop of the ongoing criminalization of anti-fascism and the classification of anti-fascists from Germany as terrorists by the US, a political motivation seems likely. This development is worrying and highlights the urgency of taking action against the ever-increasing shift to the right.
After a brief update on the situation of affected groups and the political context in which debanking is taking place in Germany, we want to explore how we can respond to the current situation and develop a common perspective for action. Our goal: to make anti-repression structures capable of action again in the current times! Because we need them all more urgently than ever!
We would like to discuss the following topics in groups:
- Networking among GLS members / GLS cooperative
- Alternative and decentralized payment options. Creating independence from banks?
- Gathering information, bringing transparency to commercial lists (OFAK and Worldcheck)
- Leverage and pressure options on Bafin/authorities. Which actors are involved? Who creates sanctions and terror lists?