Europe: Activists will protest COVID-19-related restrictions in major cities throughout Europe, July 24

Event

Various activist groups and community organizations will hold demonstrations in cities across Europe July 24 to denounce COVID-19-related restrictions. The gatherings are organized as part of a broader international action dubbed the "Worldwide Demonstration" which will take place in cities worldwide; multiple civil society groups have expressed support for the action.

Demonstrations likely to attract the most support and result in the most disruption include:

• Athens, Greece: Thiseio, 19:30

• Copenhagen, Denmark: Nytorv, 18:00

• Glasgow, UK: Olympic Monument in Glasgow Green, 13:00

• Helsinki, Finland: Eduskuntatalo, 14:00

• Kyiv, Ukraine: Mykhailivska Square, 13:00

• Leeds, UK: Leeds Town Hall, 13:00

• Lisbon, Portugal: Palacio de Belem, 15:30

• Madrid, Spain: Plaza Colon, 20:00

• Oslo, Norway: Eidsvoll Plass, 17:00

• Rome, Italy: Pineta di Castel Fusano, 15:00

• Stockholm, Sweden: Kungstradgarden, 13:00

• Tallinn, Estonia: Freedom Square, 14:00

• Tirana, Albania: Skenderbeg Square, 19:00

• Thessaloniki, Greece: Lefkos Pirgos, 19:30

• Vienna, Austria: Platz der Menschenrechte, 12:00

• Warsaw, Poland: Plac Defilad, 12:00

Additional events are scheduled to occur in cities throughout Europe with varying levels of participation; the largest actions are likely in capitals or major cities. Demonstrations in many cases may involve marches around the given location or through city centers, though event locations are liable to change at short notice due to requests from local authorities.

Authorities will almost certainly deploy a heavy police presence near the larger rallies as a precaution. Large crowds and related security measures could prompt localized disruptions. Additionally, increased crowding on public transportation systems is possible near the larger rally locations. Current COVID-19 measures in place across much of Europe restrict public gatherings, and authorities could shut down or ban protests deemed to be in breach of these restrictions. The gatherings will likely remain peaceful, though isolated scuffles at some events can not be ruled out.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations 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 local media sources for up-to-date information on local events, and allow extra time for travel in any protest-affected areas July 24.