Europe: Activists to protest in urban centers Jan. 22-23

Event

Activist groups around Europe are planning to participate in the World Wide Rally for Freedom Jan. 22-23 to denounce COVID-19-related policies and associated restrictions on movement and activity. While demonstrations are scheduled in urban centers across Europe, the following events will likely see high attendance:

Jan. 22

• Helsinki, Finland: 14:00, march from Senate Square to Rautatientori

• Dublin, Ireland: 14:00, Garden of Remembrance

• Lisbon, Portugal: 15:00, Praca do Marques de Pombal

• Gothenburg, Sweden: 15:00, Gustav Adolfs Torg

• Stockholm, Sweden: 14:00, Norrmalmstorg

• Kyiv, Ukraine: 12:00, Sofia Square

• London, UK: 13:00, Portland Place; protesters will likely march to Westminster

• Birmingham, UK: 13:00, Chamberlain Square

• Bristol, UK: 13:00, College Green

• Cardiff, UK: 13:00, City Hall

• Glasgow, UK: 13:00, Commonwealth Monument, Glasgow Green

• Leeds, UK: 13:00, Town Hall

• Manchester, UK: 13:00, Piccadilly Gardens

Jan. 23

• Brussels, Belgium: 12:00, Brussels North railway station

• Sofia, Bulgaria: 14:00, Palace of Culture

Attendance will vary by location, though events with higher participation could prompt increased security and associated localized transport and business disruptions, particularly if participants march through the vicinity. COVID-19-related measures currently in place in many locations restrict public gatherings to some extent. Local police will probably 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.

Context

The tightening of COVID-19-related measures in response to the spread of the Omicron virus variant spurred attendance at the previous Worldwide Rally for Freedom in November 2021. Tens of thousands of people took part at some events, and violence broke out at several gatherings, particularly in Brussels, Belgium, and Rotterdam, Netherlands. Further such activity is possible and any related events and police security measures, including localized movement restrictions, are likely to be enhanced as a precaution.

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. Leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Follow the instructions of security personnel. Allow additional time for travel near known or possible demonstration venues.