Germany: Activists to protest in central Giessen, Oct. 6

Event

Members of the Eritrean diaspora plan to rally in Giessen from 14:30-19:30 Oct. 6. Supporters of the Eritrean government plan to march to the Giessen City Council. The event has been organized in opposition to violence at an Eritrean cultural event in August during which opponents of the Eritrean government protested and caused property damage; some people were also injured. The event also coincides with a sitting of the local City Council, which will discuss the August events. Officials have indicated that additional police forces will be deployed in the city center to monitor the march. Roads will be closed, and public transport, including the bus service, will be halted in the affected area through the afternoon and early evening. Hundreds of people are likely to participate in the demonstration.

Road travel and business operation disruptions are likely in central Giessen through the evening Oct. 6. The closure of roads in the town center is likely to increase traffic and cause delays on nearby routes. Confrontations are possible if demonstrators ignore police orders to disperse or if they engage in acts of public violence. Opponents of the Eritrean government could also gather in opposition to the march. Should they do so, the threat of confrontations increases.

Advice

Avoid the demonstration and all large public gatherings in central Giessen, Oct. 6. Consider avoiding the impacted area and reconfirm the status of road routes before departure. Heed the instructions of local officials.