Germany: Activists representing different movements plan to demonstrate in Leipzig, Sept. 5

Event

Activists representing seven separate movements have requested approval for demonstrations on Sept. 5 in Leipzig, Germany. The largest of these will be the Left Party, which plans to protest against the government's energy policy. The rally will start at 19:00 in Augustusplatz, followed by a march that will follow the route: Opernseite, Grimmaische Strasse, Reichsstrasse, Salzgasschen, Markt, Katharinenstrasse, Bruhl, Am Hallischen Tor, Willy-Brandt-Platz, Georgiring, before ending back in Augustusplatz. Organizers predict several thousand attendees.

Other potential demonstrations on the same day include:

• The right-wing extremist small party "Free Saxony" also wants to demonstrate on Augustusplatz, starting 17:00. Attendance is expected to be less than 100.

• The alliance "Leipzig takes place" plans a demonstration for 150 people. It will start at 17:30 and follow the route: Sudplatz, Karl- Liebknecht-Strasse, Leuschnerplatz, Petersstrasse, Markt- Neumarkt, Reichsstrasse, Hallesches Tor, Willy-Brandt-Platz, Kleiner Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz.

• The "Social Struggles" movement plans a demonstration for 150 people. It will also start at 17:30 and follow the route: Sudplatz, Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse, Peterssteinweg, Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz, Petersstrasse, Augustusplatz.

• The "Leipzig Movement" has requested to hold a demonstration under the motto "For peace, freedom and self-determination" for 300 participants. The rally will start at the Mendebrunnen on Augustusplatz at 19:00, then follow the route: Rossplatz, Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz, Martin-Luther-Ring, Dittrichring, Trondlinring, Willy-Brandt-Platz, Goethestrasse, Augustusplatz, Mendebrunnen.

• The AfD district association has requested to hold a rally in the Permoserstrasse in Paunsdorf 16:30-18:00; only around ten attendees are expected. However, the association is also planning a counterprotest in Augustusplatz to coincide with the larger rallies there.

• A further group representing "delegitimization of the state relevant to the protection of the constitution" has registered to hold a rally for 300 people in front of the Paulinum on Augustusplatz from 19:00.

The status of these latter six applications is provisional. Authorities will decide Sept. 5 which may go ahead and how they will be coordinated. It is unclear how many participants the various events may draw.

Authorities are likely to deploy large numbers of police and security staff to monitor and facilitate the protests. Localized transport disruption is likely due to road closures along march routes and congestion in the city center. Bus routes are likely to be diverted. Confrontations between police and demonstrators are unlikely but remain possible. The far-right group rallies are likely to increase the potential for isolated clashes between rival activists. While bystanders are unlikely to be targeted in any violence, they would face an indirect physical threat.

Advice

Avoid any protests as a routine security precaution and to mitigate potential disruptions; allow additional time for travel in the city center. Check local travel advice. Heed the instructions of local security personnel and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation.