29 May 2019 | 08:08 AM UTC
Germany: Al-Quds Day march and protest in Berlin June 1
The annual Al-Quds Day march will be held in Berlin on June 1, along with multiple counter-protests; heightened security measures expected
Event
Pro-Palestinian groups are planning to hold the annual Al-Quds Day march in Berlin on Saturday, June 1. The march is scheduled to begin at Adenauerplatz in Charlottenburg and a rally is expected to be held at George-Grosz-Platz at 15:30 (local time). A heightened security presence and traffic disruptions are anticipated along the march route and near associated rallies.
Counter-protests to denounce Al-Quds Day are being organized by various social groups on Saturday. A rally against anti-Semitism is scheduled to take place at George-Grosz-Platz at 15:30. Another organization is planning to hold a demonstration at the Wilmersdorfer Platz underground station starting at 12:00. Clashes between rival groups cannot be ruled out.
Context
Al-Quds Day was initiated by Iran in 1979 in opposition to Israel’s Jerusalem Day. Iran sponsors Al-Quds Day rallies and protests in both Muslim-majority and non-Muslim-majority countries. It falls every year on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan.
Advice
Individuals in Berlin are advised to keep abreast of the situation, avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate heightened security measures, and obey all instructions issued by the local authorities.
