Statement of the Georg von Rauch House regarding the arson attack on December 25, 2011
On the morning of December 25, a fire was set in two different places in the entrance area of the Georg von Rauch House. The spreading fire caused immense smoke and heat development in the building. At the same time, electricity and water went out, making any attempts to extinguish the fire impossible. In the house, where over 35 people live, sleeping residents were awakened by the smoke or screams, and for some, it was impossible to escape through the stairwells. The smoke and heat were too intense. Some climbed from their windows onto the roof until they were rescued by the fire department. Others tried to get to the street from their windows. Due to falls, two residents are still in the hospital with (partially complicated) fractures and need surgery. One resident suffered severe injuries to his hands from grabbing the hot handrail. Other individuals were taken to the hospital with smoke poisoning. The building structure of the house remained largely undamaged by the fire. After the firefighting efforts were completed, the police/criminal investigation department was in the house for about two hours and searched several rooms.
At this time, we explicitly do not want to support speculation about the perpetrators, as there are currently neither witnesses nor any claims of responsibility. However, we see this act as an attack on the house, its residents, and what the Rauch House stands for.
THIS ARSON ATTACK WAS AN ATTEMPT TO KILL PEOPLE!!!
Only through the careful actions of the residents and the quick arrival of the fire department can we say we were lucky that this did not happen. Even though it is difficult for us at the moment, we do not want to fall into shock paralysis. Together with the many supportive individuals who have offered their help in recent days, and to whom we would like to express our heartfelt thanks at this point, we are planning to hold a day of action where we will collectively and self-organized repair the fire damage. The attack on the structure/culture/scene that the Rauch House represents should mobilize and bring together exactly these people. An attack on the Rauch House is an attack on all of us!
We invite you to participate in our action day on Wednesday, December 28, starting at 10 AM, and in our public plenary the following Thursday at 7 PM. Even though the situation is still very unclear for us at the moment - there is much to be done, and we want to take the first step.
Current information and needs lists are available on our homepage: www.Rauchhaus1971.de
With solidarity, G.v.Rauch House, 1971-2011
IN THE NEXT DAYS, SOLIDARITY ACTIONS WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE RAUCHHAUS. IF YOU WANT TO HELP, CHECK THE HOMEPAGE OF THE RAUCH-HAUS !!
MOREOVER, VARIOUS SOLIDARITY ACTIONS WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE NEXT DAYS (including a solidarity concert on January 11, 2012, at S.O. 36 in Berlin with The Bottrops, Frau Mannsmann, Rockshoe, among others).
SUPPORT THE RAUCHHAUS !!
