Police raid Berlin’s Casa Kuà queer hub over alleged drug law breach, sparks protest

In the early evening of Sunday, police units from the Schutzpolizei and Kriminalpolizei entered Casa Kuà, a queer gathering space on Naunynstraße in Berlin’s Kreuzberg district, executing a raid ordered by a prosecutor for an alleged violation of the Arzneimittelgesetz. The raid involved 38 officers, the seizure of items, and the collection of personal details from at least 21 people, although none were formally accused.

The center, which hosts regular meetings for LGBTQ individuals and a “Dolls Workshop DIY & Cryptocurrency” event, was abruptly shut down, prompting a crowd of roughly 100 supporters, including regular attendee Suna, to demonstrate outside. Suna described the operation as an attack on the trans community, linking it to recent trauma from a vehicle attack at the CSD and proposed “pink lists” by Interior Minister Dobrindt.

A left-wing parliamentarian also appeared to voice solidarity, while tensions in Berlin’s queer scene remain high. The police declined to explain how the drug law relates to the cryptocurrency workshop, leaving many questions unanswered.