Germany, Austria: Protests to denounce COVID-19 restrictions scheduled in various cities Dec. 19-20

Event

Activists plan to protest in cities across Germany and Austria Dec. 19-20 to denounce restrictions imposed to combat the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Most of the actions will consist of marches through city centers. Although organizers have not publicized exact routes, they have confirmed the following gathering points and start times:

Dec. 19

Austria

• Linz: New Town Hall, 1430

• Vienna: Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1600

Germany

• Cottbus: City Hall, 1600

• Eberswalde: Old Train Station/Heegermuhler Strasse 1, 1600

• Gera: Theatervorplatz, 1530

Dec. 20

Germany

• Berlin: Jannowitz Bridge, 1400

• Cologne: Heumarkt, 1200

• Frankfurt: Weseler Werft, 1400

• Hamburg: Dammtorstrasse, 1400

• Moenchengladbach: Old Market, 1330

• Moers: Railway Station Square, 1430

• Nuremberg: Richard-Wagner-Platz, 1600

• Regensburg: Dultplatz, 1400

• Stuttgart: State Theater, 1400

• Weiden: ZOB Parking Garage, 1400

• Weilheim: Public Fair Grounds, 1500

• Zeitz: Old Market, 1630

Related protests are possible in other cities in both Germany and Austria Dec. 19-20; opposing activists could also stage counterprotests. Attendance will vary by location but could be in the thousands at larger actions.

Authorities will almost certainly deploy an increased security presence in all affected locations to monitor the protests, control participants, and keep rival activists apart. Large crowds and associated security measures will likely prompt significant transport disruptions, particularly in major cities. Transport hubs may experience crowding as participants arrive and leave the actions; public transport services may be canceled or diverted in protest areas.

Current COVID-19 measures in Germany severely restrict public gatherings. Police may attempt to shut down any protests deemed to be breaching these restrictions and may arrest noncompliant participants. As a result, authorities may attempt to limit or change the location of protests to ensure COVID-19 restrictions are met; still large numbers of demonstrators are likely to gather in affected cities regardless. Protesters seeking to circumvent security cordons could gather in other parts of the city. Isolated clashes between rival groups of activists, or police and protesters are likely; police have resorted to riot control measures, such as water cannons, at previous related actions.

Advice

Avoid the protests as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Check public transport schedules and local traffic conditions for disruptions; allow extra time for travel in affected cities Dec. 19-20.