20 Oct 2024 | 12:16 AM UTC
Germany: PEGIDA activists to stage demonstration in Dresden Oct. 20
PEGIDA activists to protest at Neumarkt in Dresden, Germany, Oct. 20. Counterprotests, heightened security, transport disruptions likely.
Activists affiliated with Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamization of the West (Patriotische Europaer gegen die Islamisierung des Abendlandes, PEGIDA) are planning to stage a demonstration at Neumarkt in Dresden from 14:00 on Oct. 20. PEGIDA leader Lutz Bachmann has asserted that the rally will be the movement's 250th and final demonstration since its founding in October 2014. Several thousand people will likely participate.
Additionally, multiple groups have called for counterdemonstrations to coincide with and denounce the PEGIDA rally. Counterdemonstration participants will gather at Alaunplatz from 12:30 and then stage a counterprotest at Neumarkt at 13:30. Several thousand people will likely participate in the counterprotests. Activists may announce additional counterprotest actions on short notice.
City officials have cautioned that transport disruptions may affect the Altstadt area and parts of Innere Neustadt 13:00-18:00. Authorities have advised motorists to avoid the city center and warned that public transport delays are possible amid the demonstrations.
Heightened security and transport disruptions will likely affect parts of the Aldstadt and Neustadt areas, particularly near Neumarkt and Alaunplatz, ahead of and during the demonstrations. Authorities may close roads on short notice to facilitate the demonstrations. Police may attempt to arrest unruly rally participants, including those engaging in vandalism. Clashes between protesters and police or between ideologically opposed demonstrators are possible.
Avoid all protest activity as a precaution. Consider taking alternative routes to circumvent the vicinities of the demonstrations, especially Neumarkt. Prepare for related transport disruptions and allow extra time for travel in Dresden. If violence breaks out in your area, immediately depart the vicinity and seek shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building. Adhere to all instructions issued by local officials.
