Germany: Multiple activist groups to demonstrate in Berlin May 1

Event

Multiple activist groups plan to demonstrate in central Berlin May 1. Workers' rights activists plan to demonstrate in the Neukolln and Kreuzberg area to commemorate International Workers' Day; participants will gather at Hermannplatz from 17:00 before marching to Oranienplatz. Separately, activists denouncing COVID-19 restrictions plan to gather at the Lichtenberg Rathauspark from 12:00 before marching through the area. Due to the regular presence of far-right activists at anti-restrictions protests in Germany, anti-fascist groups have organized a counterprotest at the same location from 11:00.

Additional police will almost certainly deploy to monitor the situation and keep rival groups of activists apart. The demonstrations themselves and related security measures will likely prompt localized transport disruptions in the affected area; public transport may be canceled or diverted. Current COVID-19 measures in Germany restrict public gatherings; authorities may attempt to preemptively ban or disperse gatherings deemed to be breaching these restrictions. Local authorities have expressed particular concern over the demonstration in Kreuzberg where they anticipate up to 10,000 participants, as actions in previous years have escalated to clashes with security services. Clashes are also possible between police and protesters or rival groups of activists at the demonstration in Lichtenberg. Bystanders are unlikely to be targeted in any violence but would face an indirect threat of physical harm.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions; exercise increased vigilance if operating in the Neukolln and Kreuzberg areas the evening of May 1. Heed instructions from security forces and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Check public transport schedules and local traffic conditions and allow extra time for travel in affected areas.