Germany: Anti-restrictions activists to demonstrate in city centers March 13-14

Event

Activists affiliated with the Querdenken (Lateral Thinking) movement are planning to protest in city centers around Germany March 13-14 to denounce ongoing restrictive measures to counter the spread of COVID-19. Participants will gather at the following times and locations:

March 13:

• Dresden: 1300-1600 on the Konigsufer

• Dusseldorf: 1400-1830 on Johannes Rau Platz

• Stuttgart: 1200-1500 in the Upper Castle Garden (Obererschlossgarten)

March 14:

• Berlin: 1330-1700 outside Berlin Marzahn S-Bahn station

Smaller protests are likely in other cities. Thousands of people have attended related protests in recent months, and similar participation is likely at the upcoming events. Although the gatherings will likely breach current rules on social distancing, authorities are unlikely to attempt to disperse them if they remain peaceful. However, police are likely to prevent participants from marching away from demonstration venues, and related security measures could prompt localized traffic and public transport disruptions. While the events are likely to pass without major incident, isolated scuffles between police and protesters are possible, particularly if the latter attempt to breach security cordons. Bystanders are unlikely to be targeted in any confrontations.

Advice

Remain alert in major city centers March 13-14 and avoid all demonstrations as a routine security precaution. Leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Adhere to all social distancing requirements.