07 Apr 2023 | 02:53 PM UTC
Germany: Climate activists to stage demonstrations in Berlin April 12-17
Climate activist groups to stage demonstrations and protests in Berlin, Germany, April 12-17; transport and business disruptions likely.
Event
Climate activists associated with the Extinction Rebellion (XR) group plan a series of demonstrations in Berlin, April 12-17. The purpose of the action is to pressure the government to stop all investments in fossil fuels. The XR group will set up a camp in Invalidenpark April 12-17. During this period, four official rallies are planned. In addition the group will organize acts of civil disobedience, and the Last Generation group may also implement short-notice roadblock protests. Attendance across the demonstration period will likely be in the thousands. The largest events are likely to be:
April 13: Demonstration from Invalidenpark to the Brandenburg Gate, 12:00-16:00.
April 15: Demonstration from Bayer headquarters to the Federal Environment Ministry, 13:00-17:00.
April 16: Demonstration at Schlesisches Tor, 12:00-18:00.
April 16: Demonstration from the Brandenburg Gate to the Bundestag, 13:00-16:00.
Further information regarding the planned actions has not been confirmed, likely to confound police efforts to mitigate their impact. Previous XR actions in Berlin have involved activists blocking traffic on major roads or intersections in the city center, disrupting activity at transport hubs including tube stations and airports, and rallying outside government offices or the premises of business with perceived poor environmental practices. Significant business and travel disruptions are likely in the vicinity of all XR actions.
Police will quickly deploy to all actions and attempt to prevent or disperse demonstrations that are likely to cause significant disruption. However, XR organizers deliberately attempt to cause maximum disruption by communicating protest details at short notice over private channels, and activists often glue or otherwise physically attach themselves to road surfaces and objects to prevent police from removing them. As a result, disruption tends to be unpredictable, and actions can last for several hours. Clashes are unlikely as XR advocates for nonviolent civil disobedience; however, there have previously been instances of scuffles with frustrated commuters, and activists often engage in acts of vandalism as part of their demonstrations.
Advice
Avoid all demonstrations as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Check trusted local media sources for up-to-date information on demonstrations April 12-17. Check public transport schedules and local traffic conditions for disruptions before beginning journeys; allow extra time to reach destinations in Berlin during the protest campaign. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation.
