Germany: Protests to denounce COVID-19 restrictions planned in several cities Feb. 20

Event

Activists denouncing restrictions imposed to combat COVID-19 plan to protest in multiple German cities Feb. 20. Most of the actions will consist of marches through city centers. Protests have been confirmed to start at 1400 at the following locations:

• Berlin: Walther-Schreiber-Platz to Potsdamer Platz

• Cologne: Heumarkt

• Cottbus: Stadthallenvorplatz

• Eisenberg: Busbahnhof

• Frankfurt: Weseler Werft

• Gera: Theatervorplatz

• Hamburg: Jungfernstieg

• Hannover: Georgsplatz

• Monchengladbach: Alter Markt

• Nuremberg: Richard-Wagner-Platz

• Oldenburg: Schlossplatz

• Pirmasens: Messeplatz

• Stuttgart: Staatstheater

• Zeitz: Altmarkt

Attendance will vary by location but likely be in the thousands at larger protests. Counterprotests are likely in all affected cities.

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. Authorities may attempt to limit or change the location of protests to ensure COVID-19 regulations are met; large numbers of demonstrators are likely to gather in affected cities regardless. Police may attempt to shut down actions deemed to be breaching these restrictions and may arrest noncompliant participants. 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 cannot be ruled out; police have resorted to riot control measures, such as water cannon, at previous related actions.

Advice

Avoid the protest 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, and allow extra time for travel in affected cities Feb. 20.