Germany: Protest against COVID-19 restrictions reported in Berlin April 25

Event

On Saturday, April 25, protesters gathered in Berlin to protest the current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions imposed by the government. Several hundred participants gathered on Saturday afternoon (local time) on Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz in front of the Volksbühne, despite the ban on gatherings of more than two people. Online sources indicate that the majority of demonstrators have dispersed as of 17:00, with reports suggesting that security forces forcibly dispersed some activists.

According to reports, several hundred additional police were deployed ahead of the planned protest action and closed the streets leading to the square. A protest organized by a right-wing group was reportedly planned for 15:30 outside the Volksbühne and counter-protests were also scheduled to begin at approximately 15:00 in front of the Left Party headquarters, Karl-Liebknecht-Haus, on the square in front of the Volksbühne.

Social-distancing and hygiene ordinances are currently in place until at least Sunday, May 3, in Germany. A ban on gatherings of more than two people remains in place. German citizens are advised to keep contact with people outside of their household to a minimum and maintain a distance of at least 1.5 m (5 ft), preferably 2 m (6.5 ft), between themselves and others in public.

Further demonstrations and disruptions are possible in the near term. A heightened security presence is to be expected in Berlin. 

Advice

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