Germany: Climate activists call for protests in urban centers nationwide May 30-June 6 /update 2

Event

The environmental activist group Letzte Generation has called for protests in major urban centers across Germany in the coming days to denounce criminal investigations and police raids targeting the group. Details of the gatherings likely to attract the largest participation are as follows:

May 30

• Dusseldorf: Konrad-Adenauer-Platz from 17:00

May 31

• Berlin: Frankfurter Tor from 17:00

• Cologne: Ebertplatz from 16:00

• Leipzig: Augustusplatz from 15:00

• Stuttgart: Stadtbibliothek Metro Station from 16:00

June 1

• Essen: Viehofer Platz from 17:00

June 2

• Dortmund: Stadtgarten from 16:00

Authorities will almost certainly deploy additional police to monitor the gatherings. Related security measures will likely prompt localized public transport disruptions. Demonstrators may also attempt to blockade traffic on major roads in protest areas. While widespread violence is not anticipated, scuffles may break out between protesters and police.

Separately, a campaign of roadblock protests in Berlin will likely continue concurrently through early June. Similar protests are possible in other cities where the group will stage protests in the coming days. The activists demand lower speed limits and other measures to reduce fossil fuel consumption. Protesters typically target busy roads in the morning peak travel period. The protests occur without warning and target major city roads, ring roads, and airport access roads. Protests typically last for 30 minutes to one hour before police remove protestors. Activists increasingly glue themselves to road surfaces to slow response operations. Alternatively, protesters may march slowly along busy roads, creating traffic congestion without forming a static roadblock. Traffic delays are likely on affected routes, and congestion will likely build on surrounding routes. While protesters are unlikely to act violently, security services may resort to forceful methods to disperse protests; additionally, scuffles between protesters and frustrated motorists are possible. Activists may also conduct civil disobedience at government buildings or fossil fuel-related businesses.

Advice

Avoid all protest sites if possible. Check for disruptions before beginning journeys and plan alternative routes if necessary. Heed instructions from security services and do not attempt to pass through roadblocks.