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Thousands of people demonstrated against the Corona measures in the government district of Berlin. As they did not comply with the requirements, the police broke up the demonstration and used water cannons.
The demonstration against the crown measures of the federal government in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin is dissolved. As announced by the police after a series of violations of the mask requirement, the leader of the meeting declared the rally on Straße des 17. Juni over. The protesters now have to leave the meeting place.
As they initially made no move to evacuate the meeting place, the police began using water cannons. Tear gas also appears to be used, news agencies AFP and dpa reported. There were several fights and preliminary arrests. The protesters screamed and whistled.
Police wait hours for evacuation
The president of the German Police Union, Rainer Wendt, expects a police operation that will last “many hours” to really break up the meeting. Local protesters are in an aggressive mood, Wendt told “Welt” television channel. Therefore, the police will need some time to clear the place in front of the Brandenburg Gate.
Wendt defended the use of water cannons and the detention of protesters. The use of police means of restraint never triggers beautiful images, Wendt said. But it is lawful and also appropriate. But it is “an extremely difficult mission.”
The police ultimatum was not respected
The decision to disband was preceded by an ultimatum from the police to the chair of the meeting to implement the requirements for the registered demonstration.
According to the police, there were several thousand protesters in the Brandenburg Gate area. Demonstration requirements included wearing mouth and nose protection and keeping your distance.
The reason for the protests is the vote on a new infection protection law in the Bundestag and Bundesrat. Opponents accuse the government coalition of restricting basic rights and establishing a “dictatorship of the Crown.” In order not to interfere with parliamentary activities, the Federal Ministry of the Interior ordered extensive barriers around the Bundestag.
According to their own information, the Berlin police are in action with more than 2,200 officers, including forces from nine other federal states and the federal police.
Mobilization in social networks
Skeptics of the crown’s measures and those who deny the pandemic, including conspiracy ideologues, vaccine opponents and right-wing extremists, have been mobilizing across the country for protests for days. “X Day” was called on social media and the Bundestag was blocked.
During a demonstration of the “lateral thinking” initiative in late August, hundreds of protesters broke a cordon and advanced towards the Reichstag portal.
