Sweden: Activist groups to protest in central Stockholm, Jan. 21

Event

Pro-Kurd and anti-NATO activist groups plan to protest in central Stockholm, Jan. 21. Attendees will gather at Norra Bantorget from 14:00 to denounce Sweden's application to join NATO and Turkish President Erdogan's criticism of Sweden granting residence to Kurdish groups. Organizers will give speeches at the meeting point, after which protesters will march to Medborgarplatsen. Attendance may reach several thousand, based on previous events.

Authorities will likely deploy additional police to monitor and facilitate the event. Security measures and associated road closures will likely lead to localized traffic disruptions. The rally is expected to remain peaceful; however, scuffles cannot be discounted.

Advice

Avoid the protest as a routine security precaution. Allow additional time for travel in central Stockholm, Jan. 21. In the event of violence, withdraw from the area immediately.