Germany: Demonstrations planned in Stuttgart and Chemnitz Sep. 14 /update 1

Event

Multiple protests by far-right and civil society groups are planning to hold rallies in Stuttgart (Baden-Wurttemberg state) and Chemnitz (Saxony state) on Friday, September 14. The far-right Pro Chemnitz group has announced a demonstration at the Karl Marx monument in Chemnitz starting at 18:30 (local time). In Stuttgart, a rally against racism will be held at Karlsplatz beginning at 14:30. Counter-demonstrations are expected at both events. Heightened security measures, including an increased police presence, and localized traffic disruptions are anticipated at all protest sites. Clashes between rival protesters, as well as between demonstrators and security forces, cannot be ruled out.

Context

Far-right and anti-fascist protesters demonstrated in Köthen (Saxony-Anhalt state) on the evening (local time) of September 9 after a German man died following an alleged street fight with Afghan migrants. The migrants were detained on suspicion of homicide after the brawl; however, a subsequent examination revealed that the German man died from a heart issue, unrelated to head injuries suffered during the fight. Similar far-right protests were held in Chemnitz in late August and early September after a German man was fatally stabbed on August 26 and two men of Iraqi and Syrian origin were subsequently arrested for his death.

Advice

Individuals in Stuttgart and Chemnitz are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.