Battle Of Berlin

The old East Berlin neighborhood of Mainzer Strasse still bears the scars of World War II, and for a few hours last week it seemed as if war had returned. Moving swiftly in the bleak dawn, a force of 3,000 police, using bulldozers and armored personnel carriers, smashed over trenches and through 6-ft. barricades to battle squatters ensconced in the derelict blocks. While bricks and fire bombs rained down from rooftops, the authorities flushed out hundreds of squatters with clubs and tear gas. At least 160 were injured, including 90 police, and Mayor Walter Momper's governing coalition of Greens and Social...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!