Europe: Activists to stage protests in major cities across region Jan. 9 /update 2

Political activists affiliated with Venezuelan opposition groups plan to protest in urban centers across Europe Jan. 9. The protests aim to denounce the Venezuelan government and demonstrate support for political opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez, who has been living in exile in Spain. Several hundred to a few thousand people might attend the rallies. The following planned events will likely represent some of the largest gatherings:

• Barcelona, Spain: Plaza de Sant Jaume from 18:00 Jan. 9.

• Lisbon, Portugal: Praca dos Restauradores from 19:30 Jan. 9.

• London, UK: Royal Courts of Justice from 14:30 Jan. 9.

• Madrid, Spain: Puerta del Sol from 18:00 Jan. 9.

• Milan, Italy: Piazza San Babila from 17:30 Jan. 9.

• Paris, France: Place de la Bastille from 19:00 Jan. 9.

• Porto, Portugal: Praca de Carlos Alberto from 18:00 Jan. 9.

• Rome, Italy: Largo di Torre Argentina from 18:00 Jan. 9.

• Valencia, Spain: Placa de l'Ajuntament/Plaza del Ayuntamiento from 18:00 Jan. 9.

Additional gatherings are planned in urban centers across Europe, though they will likely have lower participation. Such planned demonstrations include the following events:

• Berlin, Germany: Brandenburg Gate from 18:00 Jan. 9.

• Budapest, Hungary: Deak Ferenc ter from 18:30 Jan. 9.

• Prague, Czech Republic: Paleckeho Square from 17:00 Jan. 9.

Authorities will likely deploy increased security to the protest sites to monitor the gatherings. Localized transport disruptions are likely near the demonstrations. Low-level confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement officers or opposed individuals cannot be ruled out.