Europe: Activists to protest in European urban centers Sept. 18

Event

Civil rights groups around Europe are planning to take part in the “World Wide Rally for Freedom” Sept. 18 to denounce COVID-19-related policies and related restrictions on movement and activity. While demonstrations are scheduled in urban centers across Europe, the following events will likely see the highest attendance:

• Tirana, Albania: 18:00 on Skanderbeg Square

• Antwerp, Belgium: 14:00 on Mediaplein

• Brussels, Belgium: 14:00 on Auguste Reyerslaan

• Liege, Belgium: 14:00 on Boulevard Raymond Poincare

• Helsinki, Finland: 14:00 at the Parliament House (Eduskuntatalo)

• Berlin, Germany: 12:00 city center, exact location to be announced

• Dublin, Ireland: 14:00 at Custom House and Phoenix Park

• Rome, Italy: 12:00 city center, exact location to be announced

• Podgorica, Montenegro: 18:00 Independence Square (Trg Nezavisnosti)

• Amsterdam, Netherlands: 11:00 at Amsterdam Centrum

• Lisbon, Portugal: 13:30 from Parque Eduardo VII to Praca do Rossio

• Belgrade, Serbia: 16:30 Republic Square and 18:00 on Andricev Venac

• Barcelona, Spain: 16:00 at Placa Catalonia and 18:00 at Arc de Triomf

• Stockholm, Sweden: 13:00 in Kungstradgarden

• Kyiv, Ukraine: 12:00 on Mikhailovskaya Square

• Birmingham, UK: 13:00 in Victoria Square

• Bristol, UK: 13:00 in Castle Park

• Cardiff, UK: 13:00 in the city center

• Glasgow, UK: 13:00 Commonwealth Monument, Glasgow Green

• Leeds, UK: 13:00 at Town Hall

• London, UK: 12:00 central London, likely at Trafalgar Square

• Manchester, UK: 13:00 in Piccadilly Gardens

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 many locations 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.