Germany: Far-right extremist demonstration and counter protests scheduled in Bielefeld November 9

Event

The far-right extremist group Die Rechte NRW is scheduled to hold a rally in Bielefeld on Saturday, November 9. Participants will gather behind the city's central rail station and proceed via Mindener Straße, Elsa-Brändströmstraße, and Alfred-Bozi-Straße to end at the Adenauerplatz.

Several opposition groups are holding events on the same date. First, an "Alliance Against Right" protest has been called by opposition groups at 12:00 (local time) in front of the city's central rail station as well. An estimated 10,000 participants are expected.

Other opposition groups will hold a commemoration ceremony at 17:30 near the town hall on the site of the former synagogue in Turnerstraße, which had been burnt down by Nazis in 1938.

A vigil will be held at a synagogue near Detmolder Straße, from 15:30 to 16:30.

Another protest will take place at the central rail station at 14:00 and will march to the district court.

Groups will also organize a human chain at 13:30, originally planned at the justice building. The location has since been moved, yet remains unannounced.

Further, the German Trade Union Confederation will also rally near the district court at 14:30.

Several other counter protest events have been scheduled for Saturday. A heightened security presence will be in effect throughout the city as tensions are likely to rise. Clashes cannot be ruled out. Transportation disruptions are also to be expected in the vicinity of all gatherings and protests.  

Advice

Individuals in Bielefeld are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests due to the risk of violence, prepare for disruptions to transportation and business, and adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities.