18 Mar 2021 | 05:18 PM UTC
Europe: Anti-lockdown activists to demonstrate in urban centers March 20
Activists to rally in cities across Europe on March 20 to denounce COVID-19 lockdown measures; localized disruptions likely.
Event
Civil rights groups are planning to protest in European cities March 20 to denounce COVID-19-related restrictions on movement and activity. While demonstrations are scheduled in urban centers across Europe, the following events will likely see the highest attendance:
Innsbruck, Austria: 15:30-19:00 on Landhausplatz
Brussels, Belgium: 13:30-14:30 at Bois de la Cambre
Sofia, Bulgaria: 12:00 at the National Palace of Culture
Zagreb, Croatia: 12:00 march from King Tomislav Square to Ban Jelacic Square
Copenhagen, Denmark: 12.00 at Kongens Nytorv
Helsinki, Finland: 14:00 at Kansalaistori
Paris, France: 1400 at the Fontaine des Innocents
Kassel, Germany: 12:00 on Konigsplatz
Athens, Greece: 12:00 at Flisvos Park
Thessaloniki, Greece: 12:00 at the Thessaloniki Opera House
Budapest, Hungary: 12:00 on Heroes Square
Rome, Italy: 12:00 on Piazza Anco Marzio
Bologna, Italy: 15:00 at Giardini Margherita Porta Castiglione
Florence, Italy: 12:00 on Piazza Santa Maria Novella
Riga, Latvia: 12:00 at the Freedom Monument
Vilnius, Lithuania: 12:00 on Cathedral Square
The Hague, Netherlands: 14:00 at Malieveld
Oslo, Norway: 14:00 at Eidsvolls Plass
Warsaw, Poland: 12:00 at Pole Mokotowskie
Lisbon, Portugal: 15:00 at Parque Eduardo VII
Belgrade, Serbia: 12:30 on Republic Square
Madrid, Spain: 12:00-16:00 at Plaza de Oriente
Stockholm, Sweden: 12:00 at Norrmalstorg
Malmo, Sweden: 12:00 at Gustav Adolfs Torg
Central London, UK: Exact time and location to be announced
Attendance will vary by location, though events with higher participation could prompt increased security and associated localized disruptions. COVID-19 measures currently in place in most European cities restrict public gatherings to some extent. Local police will likely monitor protests and may attempt to disperse larger gatherings. Low-level skirmishes and, in some cases, wider confrontations are possible. Localized traffic and transport disruptions are likely.
Advice
Avoid all protests as a standard security precaution. Monitor local media for updates on such gatherings, as organizers may not announce details in advance. If violence breaks out, leave the area immediately. Follow the instructions of security personnel. Allow additional time for travel near known or possible demonstration venues.