Europe: Anti-establishment activists to protest in several European cities Nov. 5

Event

Activists associated with the anti-establishment group Anonymous have organized demonstrations in several European cities Nov. 5 as part of the annual so-called "Million Mask March." The purpose of the action is to denounce what they perceive as increasing government encroachment on civil liberties and rising inequality. Actions are confirmed at the following times and locations:

• Amsterdam, Netherlands: Dam Square,13:00

• Barcelona, Spain: Intersection of Meridiana and Fabra i Puig,19:30

• Belfast, UK: Writer's Square,14:00

• Berlin, Germany: Brandenburg Gate, 18:00

• Brussels, Belgium: Muntplein/Place de la Monnaie, 16:00

• Bucharest, Romania: University Square, 15:00

• Glasgow, UK: Glasgow Green, 14:00

• London, UK: Trafalgar Square, 18:00

• Toulouse, France: Capitole, 18:00

Further protests are likely in additional cities throughout Europe; likely locations are central squares, some protests could involve marches through the surrounding area. Attendance will likely be in the hundreds at larger gatherings but will vary by location.

Additional police will almost certainly deploy to monitor all protests. Large numbers of people and associated security measures will likely prompt localized transport disruptions in protest areas. Activists associated with the Anonymous group often engage in acts of vandalism and clashes with security forces; police may resort to riot control measures such as tear gas and water cannon against groups of unruly protesters. While bystanders are unlikely to be directly targeted in any violence, they would face an indirect threat of physical harm.

Advice

Avoid all protests 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 in protest areas and allow extra time for travel.