20 Jan 2024 | 03:29 PM UTC
Germany: Civil society groups plan to demonstrate nationwide, Jan. 21 /update 2
Civil society groups plan to protest across Germany through mid-January. Well-attended rallies Jan. 20; further protests Jan. 21.
Civil society groups plan to hold further demonstrations against right-wing extremism nationwide, Jan. 21. Protests have occurred in various cities recently, including on Jan. 20 when tens of thousands of people protested peacefully across the country. Impacted locations included Hanover, Munster, Bichum, Kiel, and Jena. Groups are denouncing the increase in right-wing extremism, including recent comments by the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party on the forced "remigration" of citizens. Protests on Jan. 21 are scheduled in various areas, including:
Berlin: Uhr, Bundestag from 16:00
Bonn: Marktplatz from 14:00
Bremen: Marktplatz from 14:00
Cologne: Alter Markt from 12:00
Dresden: Schlossplatz from 14:00
Leipzig: Uhr, Markt from 15:00
Munich: Uhr, Siegestor from 14:00
Additional demonstrations are highly likely across Germany through January.
Heightened security is likely near all demonstrations. Road closures will likely prompt localized traffic disruptions. Counterprotests are possible, and scuffles between demonstrators and police, or between counterprotesters and police, cannot be ruled out.
Avoid the demonstration areas as a standard precaution. Allow additional time if traveling near a protest or on major roadways into affected cities. Strictly heed all instructions from law enforcement officers. Immediately depart the area at the first sign that any security disturbance may occur.
