A shocking video captured four costumed Oktoberfest revelers repeatedly giving Nazi salutes at an East German beer hall this week – sparking an intense police and state investigation.
Three men and a woman dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing gather together on September 25 while the Nazi-era marching song “Erika” plays loudly in the background, recordings posted to Xformerly known as Twitter, shows.
With a stein in hand, a man in leiderhosen salutes 14 times in the 16-second clip, as his friend smiles and follows his lead.
After displaying the embarrassing symbol for a few seconds with his full beer raised, the third man put the glass down to give a better salute.
The woman — who sings along to the music — salutes 7 times before dancing.
It was unclear whether the fanatics were locals or tourists attending the annual event in Bautzen, a town 140 miles south of Berlin.
Four participants in traditional Bavarian dress to drink in a German beer hall.X / @visegrad24
Investigators were alerted to the disturbing footage, but not before it garnered more than 8 million views on social media platforms.
Police in Saxony, the state where the incident took place, and the State Security Service have launched an investigation into the heinous act, officials confirmed to CBS.
Germany has long-standing laws banning “symbols of anti-constitutional organizations” including the swastika and SS insignia.
Individuals are prohibited from using the Nazi salute or proclaiming “Heil Hitler” in public spaces.
Offenders can be jailed for up to five years, depending on their intent.
The Nazi song “Erika,” however, was allowed, although its composer Herms Niel was a staunch party member who created various military songs and marches.
The organizers of the Oktoberfest event did not respond to CBS’ questions about why the song was played.
Earlier this week, the Prince of Bavaria blasted Oktoberfest revelers for “dressing up to get drunk” at German beer fests.
The Nazi-era marching song “Erika” plays in the background.X / @visegrad24
Luitpold Rupprecht Heinrich said attendees reveled in the “cultural provision” and the chance to party rather than celebrate Germany’s rich history.
“Costume” is not the only thing that divides the traditional crowd from the new wave of attendees this year, as the switch to selling organic chicken has raised the price of the favorite dish.
The Paulaner Festzelt tent decided to serve all-organic chicken as an experiment in hopes of emphasizing sustainability, but some are calling it “Woke Wiesn.”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
