Germany: Anti-lockdown activists to protest in Berlin April 21

Event

Anti-lockdown activists plan to protest in Berlin's Government District April 21. Specific gathering locations include Brandenburg Gate, the Bundestag, and along Strasse des 17. Juni. The purpose of the action is to denounce legislation currently being debated that would give the federal government greater powers to enforce COVID-19 restrictions previously set by state authorities. Attendance could be in the thousands, as activists in several cities in have stated their intention to join the protest. Due to the regular presence of far-right activists at anti-lockdown protests in Germany, counterprotests organized by left-wing activists are likely.

Additional police will deploy to monitor the protest and keep rival activist groups apart. Large crowds and associated security measures will likely prompt localized transport disruptions in the protest area; public transport services may be cancelled or diverted. Current COVID-19 measures in Germany place restrictions on public gatherings. Police may preemptively ban the protest or attempt to disperse activists if they are deemed to be breaching these restrictions; police may arrest non-compliant participants. Activists seeking to avoid security cordons could gather in other parts of the city. Isolated clashes between protesters and police or rival groups of activists are likely.

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 for transport disruptions and allow extra time for travel in the protest area April 21.