Germany: Right-wing activists and various counterprotestors to demonstrate in Berlin, Oct. 8

Event

The right-wing party Alternative for Germany (AfD) plans to rally in central Berlin, Oct. 8. Attendees will gather at 14:00 in Platz der Republik, then march in Berlin's central district from 14:45 to 17:00 before gathering in the Platz der Republik. The rally is scheduled to finish at 18:00; organizers estimate that several thousand people will attend. Party leaders plan to denounce government policies on energy and protest against the cost of living. Various groups are planning counterprotests.

• The group "Stand up against racism!" will gather from 13:00 at on Heinrich-von-Gagern-Strasse, near the Bundestag.

• "AfD wegraven - ALL HATE NAZIS" will gather from 14:00 at Europaplatz. Attendees will then march along the following route: Europaplatz, Ella-Trebe-Strasse, Washingtonplatz, Friedrich-List-Ufer, Hugo-Preuss-Bridge, Chapel-Ufer - Konrad-Adenauer-Strasse, Otto-von-Bismarck-Allee, and Annemarie-Renger-Strasse.

• "Solidarity instead of right-wing agitation" will gather from 14:00 on Invalidenstrasse.

• "For a united Europe of the many" will meet at 12:00 in Pariser Platz.

It is not known how many counter-protestors will attend each of these events. Police will likely deploy to monitor and facilitate the actions. Large crowds and associated security measures, possibly including road closures and movement restrictions, will likely prompt localized transport disruptions. The actions are likely to proceed peacefully but isolated skirmishes cannot be ruled out, given the proximity of opposing groups.

Advice

Avoid the demonstrations as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Check for transport disruptions in central Berlin and allow extra time for travel in the affected area on Oct. 8.