Europe: Anti-lockdown activists to demonstrate in urban centers March 20

Event

Civil rights groups are planning to protest in European cities March 20 to denounce COVID-19-related restrictions on movement and activity. While demonstrations are scheduled in urban centers across Europe, the following events will likely see the highest attendance:

• Innsbruck, Austria: 15:30-19:00 on Landhausplatz

• Brussels, Belgium: 13:30-14:30 at Bois de la Cambre

• Sofia, Bulgaria: 12:00 at the National Palace of Culture

• Zagreb, Croatia: 12:00 march from King Tomislav Square to Ban Jelacic Square

• Copenhagen, Denmark: 12.00 at Kongens Nytorv

• Helsinki, Finland: 14:00 at Kansalaistori

• Paris, France: 1400 at the Fontaine des Innocents

• Kassel, Germany: 12:00 on Konigsplatz

• Athens, Greece: 12:00 at Flisvos Park

• Thessaloniki, Greece: 12:00 at the Thessaloniki Opera House

• Budapest, Hungary: 12:00 on Heroes Square

• Rome, Italy: 12:00 on Piazza Anco Marzio

• Bologna, Italy: 15:00 at Giardini Margherita Porta Castiglione

• Florence, Italy: 12:00 on Piazza Santa Maria Novella

• Riga, Latvia: 12:00 at the Freedom Monument

• Vilnius, Lithuania: 12:00 on Cathedral Square

• The Hague, Netherlands: 14:00 at Malieveld

• Oslo, Norway: 14:00 at Eidsvolls Plass

• Warsaw, Poland: 12:00 at Pole Mokotowskie

• Lisbon, Portugal: 15:00 at Parque Eduardo VII

• Belgrade, Serbia: 12:30 on Republic Square

• Madrid, Spain: 12:00-16:00 at Plaza de Oriente

• Stockholm, Sweden: 12:00 at Norrmalstorg

• Malmo, Sweden: 12:00 at Gustav Adolfs Torg

• Central London, UK: Exact time and location to be announced

Attendance will vary by location, though events with higher participation could prompt increased security and associated localized disruptions. COVID-19 measures currently in place in most European cities restrict public gatherings to some extent. Local police will likely monitor protests and may attempt to disperse larger gatherings. Low-level skirmishes and, in some cases, wider confrontations are possible. Localized traffic and transport disruptions are likely.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a standard security precaution. Monitor local media for updates on such gatherings, as organizers may not announce details in advance. If violence breaks out, leave the area immediately. Follow the instructions of security personnel. Allow additional time for travel near known or possible demonstration venues.