Germany: Demonstrations against Erdogan visit Sep. 27-29

Event

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is scheduled to visit Germany from Thursday, September 27, to Saturday, September 29. Erdogan is scheduled to visit the capital Berlin, as well as the city of Cologne. Increased security measures and traffic disruptions (including road closures) are to be expected in these cities during President Erdogan's visit.

Civil society groups have called for demonstrations to take place in Berlin and Cologne on Friday, September 28, and Saturday, September 29, to denounce the Turkish president's visit. Associated protests are also possible in other cities throughout Germany. Heightened security measures are anticipated near any demonstration. Clashes between pro- and anti-Erdogan demonstrators, as well as between protesters and security forces, cannot be ruled out.

Context

Germany is home to some three million people of Turkish descent, the world's largest Turkish diaspora. Half of those living in Germany are eligible to vote in Turkish elections.

Turkey has faced mounting international pressure due to alleged human rights abuses linked to a crackdown on individuals accused of involvement in the failed coup of 2016. A national state of emergency was put in place immediately after the attempted coup, during which time nearly 150,000 people have been fired or forced to resign from their jobs, and over 60,000 people have been arrested. Critics have repeatedly denounced the increasing restrictions of political freedom and human rights violations, and accuse the government of using national security as an excuse to suppress political opposition.

Advice

Individuals in Germany are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution and to anticipate potential transportation disruptions surrounding demonstrations.