Germany: Anti-abortion activists and counterprotestors to demonstrate in Berlin, Sept. 17

Event

Anti-Abortion activists plan the annual "March for Life" demonstration in Berlin, Sept. 17. Attendees will gather at 13:00 at the March 18 Platz in front of the Brandenburg Gate, and the rally will end at 18:00 with an ecumenical service. Organizers have registered a potential 9000 attendees with the police. In parallel, counterprotestors in favor of abortion rights will meet from 11:00-16:00 at Pariser Platz on the other side of the Brandenburg Gate. Organizers stated they are expecting around 2500 attendees.

Police will likely deploy to monitor and facilitate the action. Large crowds and associated security measures, possibly including road closures and movement restrictions, will likely prompt localized transport disruptions. The action is likely to proceed peacefully but isolated skirmishes cannot be ruled out, given the proximity of opposing groups.

Advice

Avoid the 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 for transport disruptions in central Berlin and allow extra time for travel in the affected area on Sept. 17.