German police raid trans health center over suspected prescription drug trafficking: A ‘violent intrusion’

Police in Germany raided a transgender and queer community health center in Berlin during a weekly gathering for transfeminine people on Sunday, searching attendees’ belongings and holding them inside for hours, according to the organization.Casa Kuà, a community space in Berlin’s Kreuzberg neighborhood, said in a series of Instagram posts that officers “forcefully entered ‘The Dolls’, a weekly transfem-only meet-up” at the center. See on Instagram “They identified everybody present, and held them inside for up to 4 hours,” the organization wrote, describing the raid as a “violent intrusion into our space.”Police said the search stemmed from suspicions of illegal trafficking in prescription drugs and allegations that hormone treatments were being administered without medical supervision, The Berliner reported.Officers said they seized prescription medications, narcotics, data storage devices, and a four-figure sum of cash. The Berlin public prosecutor’s office is investigating and reviewing the evidence, police said.Casa Kuà said officers searched every room and attendees’ belongings, although no individuals were named in the search warrant, according to the organization.“They broke into lockers, and confiscated several boxes of items,” the organization wrote.Related: Terrorist attack at huge Berlin Pride parade celebration leaves 1 dead, dozens injuredCasa Kuà describes itself on its website as an organization led by Black, Indigenous, and other people of color who are transgender or nonbinary. Its mission is to make healthcare more accessible to transgender, intersex, nonbinary, and queer people, particularly those affected by racism.The center’s website describes treatment rooms, a seminar room, and a communal kitchen intended to support people whose needs are not adequately met by Germany’s health care system.The Dolls, the weekly gathering underway when police arrived, offers workshops, discussions, clothing swaps, and other s