Germany: Demonstrations ongoing in Leipzig, Oct. 3

Event

Various groups are demonstrating in downtown Leipzig, Oct. 3. Events are being held to mark the German "Day of Unity"; the day is a national holiday and there are activities taking place nationwide. Nine separate demonstrations comprising some 5,000 attendees are registered with police in Leipzig Oct. 3, including both right-wing and left-wing activists. Counterprotestors and anti-fascist groups are demonstrating against the right-wing marchers. Police have intervened to clear roads of counterprotestors at Friedrich-Ebert-Strasse and Trondlingring, and the right-wing march has been diverted. Protest activity is ongoing along Kathe-Kollwitz-Strasse and at Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz.

Security forces have deployed in large numbers to facilitate the demonstrations, and temporary road closures are probably along march routes. Localized travel disruptions are likely. Further confrontations cannot be ruled out; police are likely to take direct action in the event of any violence. Similar incidents are likely in other major cities, including Berlin.

Context

The Day of Unity marks the reunification of Germany in 1990, following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a routine security precaution. Follow local travel and security advice. Allow extra time for travel and expect congestion on public transport in the vicinity of the demonstrations. In the event of clashes, withdraw from the area immediately to seek shelter.