16 Jan 2024 | 02:29 PM UTC
Germany: Civil society groups plan to demonstrate nationwide through mid-January against right-wing extremism /update 1
Civil society groups plan to protest across Germany through mid-January against right-wing extremism. Heightened security likely.
Civil society groups plan to demonstrate against right-wing extremism across Germany in coming days. 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. The protests follow large demonstrations in recent days; tens of thousands have gathered on Jan. 14 in Berlin and other major centers including Dresden, Essen, Kiel, Potsdam, and Saarbrucken.
As of Jan. 16, protests are planned in the following major urban centers:
Cologne: Heumarkt, 19:30 Jan. 16.
Dortmund: August-Bebel-Platz, 15:00 Jan. 20.
Hanover: Limmerstrasse and Kotnerholzweg intersection, 17:30 Jan. 16.
Additional demonstrations are highly likely across Germany in the coming days.
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.
