Wire flash
State security probes 'Ali out' graffiti targeting SPD district administrator Dogan in Minden-Lübbecke
Editorial responsibility
- No named human review is recorded for this page.
- Source reporting is collected, normalized, translated or condensed automatically when needed.
- Automatically published source-backed update
State security authorities in North Rhine-Westphalia are investigating after unknown individuals defaced the district administration building in Minden-Lübbecke with the slogan 'Ali out' at multiple locations. The targeted official, District Administrator Ali Dogan (SPD), stated on Instagram that he would not be intimidated and suggested the graffiti may be linked to his clear stance against right-wing extremism and the AfD. Dogan, who has Alevite-Kurdish roots and was born in Herford, emphasized that Germany is his home and he will remain. Minister-President Hendrik Wüst (CDU) condemned the act on platform X, expressing full solidarity and stating that such actions aim to intimidate and deny belonging. The police in Bielefeld are leading the investigation due to the political background, looking into charges of property damage. The district administration and staff council firmly condemned the racist and exclusionary statements, standing united behind Dogan. Jochen Ott, the SPD's lead candidate for the 2027 NRW state election, called the slogan disgusting and racist, noting it targets both Dogan personally and democratic values. Expressions of solidarity from citizens, business, and politics have increased since the morning.
Source report
State security authorities are investigating graffiti that targeted District Administrator Ali Dogan in Minden-Lübbecke. The SPD politician believes the act is linked to his efforts against right-wing extremism and the AfD. Minister-President Hendrik Wüst (CDU) has also condemned the incident.
Incident Details
Unknown individuals defaced the district administration building in Minden-Lübbecke with the slogan "Ali out" at several locations. The caretaker discovered the graffiti early in the morning and alerted police. Six slogans were found on building pillars and a glass pane in the entrance area. They have since been obscured and are scheduled for complete removal on Monday.
Investigation
Police in Bielefeld confirmed they are handling the investigation due to the political nature of the crime. Authorities are investigating unknown suspects for property damage. The Neue Westfälische first reported on the incident.
Reactions
District Administrator Ali Dogan (SPD)
Dogan stated on Instagram that he would not be intimidated. He suggested his clear stance against right-wing extremism and the AfD may have provoked the attack.
"I was born here. I grew up here. Germany is my home."
He described himself as a "proud East Westphalian," affirmed he will stay, and pledged to continue voicing his opinion. Dogan was born in Herford, has Alevite-Kurdish roots, and has served as district administrator since early 2023.
District Administration and Staff
The administrative management and employees issued a joint statement:
- "We firmly condemn racist or exclusionary statements as well as personal attacks and property damage."
- "We stand for respectful and appreciative coexistence, where every person is respected regardless of their origin or personal background."
The staff council expressed being "appalled" by the hostility.
Minister-President Hendrik Wüst (CDU)
Wüst wrote on platform X:
"Those who do such things want to intimidate people and deny them belonging. We must never treat each other this way in our country. Disagreement belongs to democracy, but hate and intimidation definitely do not."
He expressed full solidarity with Dogan.
Jochen Ott (SPD)
Ott, the SPD's lead candidate for the 2027 NRW state parliament election, called the slogan "obviously racist."
"The graffiti at the Minden-Lübbecke district administration building is disgusting and cannot be justified by anything. It targets Ali Dogan personally – and what our democracy stands for: that origin and name must never determine who belongs and who can take on political responsibility."
He added that anyone who believes they can intimidate or drive Dogan away with such slogans "does not know Dogan well."
Public Response
According to the district administration, expressions of solidarity from citizens, businesses, political figures, and administrative bodies have been increasing since the morning.
Sources: dpa, nw
Source
Nachrichten - WELTWestern