Germany coronavirus: Hundreds arrested in German 'anti-corona' protests (2024)

Police in Berlin have arrested 300 demonstrators during protests against Germany's coronavirus restrictions.

Some 38,000 people took to the streets in the city for mostly peaceful demonstrations.

Later hundreds of protesters, many from the far right, tried to storm the Reichstag, the home of Germany's federal parliament.

A number of people were arrested and German politicians condemned the attack as "shameful" and "unacceptable".

Some of those involved had insignia from the far-right Reichsbürger (Reich Citizens) movement. Vice Chancellor Olaf Scholz said: "Nazi symbols as well as Reichsbürger and Imperial German flags have no place in the German Bundestag."

Earlier some 200 people were arrested at one rally, which the authorities blamed on right-wing agitators who were said to have thrown stones and bottles.

Rallies protesting against coronavirus restrictions took place in other European cities with some demonstrators calling the virus a hoax.

Thousands gathered in London's Trafalgar Square to protest against issues including coronavirus restrictions and 5G. Signs reading "masks are muzzles" and "new normal = new fascism" were held up.

Similar protests took place in Paris, Vienna and Zurich.

What happened in Berlin during the day?

The rally had originally been banned but a court eventually allowed it to go ahead.

Police ordered one group near the Brandenburg Gate to disperse for flouting safety rules, then arrested 200 after stones and bottles were thrown.

"Unfortunately, we have no other option," Berlin police said on Twitter. "All the measures taken so far have not led to compliance with the conditions."

Protesters were closely packed in places, and sat together on the ground at one point.

A second group of about 30,000 met peacefully close by to hear speeches.

Germany coronavirus: Hundreds arrested in German 'anti-corona' protests (1)Germany coronavirus: Hundreds arrested in German 'anti-corona' protests (2)Reuters

Among those arrested was cookery author and conspiracy theorist Attila Hildmann, who had addressed crowds through a loudspeaker.

Although Germany has so far not seen the wave of cases affecting some parts of Europe, its infection rate has been growing. New case numbers are reaching highs last seen in April.

Who was involved in the Berlin protests?

Mr Geisel said people protesting outside the Russian Embassy on Unter den Linden were "right-wing extremists" and that seven police officers had been injured.

Some protesters then broke through a cordon at the Reichstag building and were dispersed by police using pepper spray.

Germany coronavirus: Hundreds arrested in German 'anti-corona' protests (3)Germany coronavirus: Hundreds arrested in German 'anti-corona' protests (4)Reuters

German news site Deutsche Welle reported that flags and T-shirts supporting the far right could be seen among the crowd.

The demonstration to the west of the Gate at the Victory Column was organised by the Stuttgart-based movement Querdenken 711 (or Lateral Thinking 711). The group has more than 16,000 followers on Facebook and communicates largely through encrypted messaging service Telegram.

It believes that coronavirus regulations infringe on basic rights and freedoms enshrined in Germany's constitution and wants them to be lifted.

The group previously organised a protest in Berlin on 1 August dubbed the "day of freedom". Thousands joined, including some from the far right and some conspiracy theorists who do not believe Covid-19 exists.

Germany coronavirus: Hundreds arrested in German 'anti-corona' protests (5)Germany coronavirus: Hundreds arrested in German 'anti-corona' protests (6)EPA

The protests have also gained support from Robert F Kennedy Jr. The anti-vaccination campaigner, also the son of assassinated US Democratic presidential hopeful Robert F Kennedy and nephew of assassinated US President John F Kennedy, is at the demonstrations in Berlin.

Mr Kennedy told the crowd at the Victory Column that his uncle had famously addressed Berlin in 1963 to counter totalitarianism and that "today Berlin is again the front against totalitarianism", warning of a surveillance state and the power of 5G phone networks.

Photos shared online also showed flags and slogans linked to the conspiracy theory QAnon. The wide-ranging, unfounded conspiracy theory says that US President Donald Trump is waging a secret war against elite Satan-worshipping paedophiles in government, business and the media, among other claims.

Germany coronavirus: Hundreds arrested in German 'anti-corona' protests (7)Germany coronavirus: Hundreds arrested in German 'anti-corona' protests (8)Reuters

Participants also included families and children. Some people have said they just want the right to protest.

One demonstrator, Stefan, a 43-year-old Berlin resident, told Agence France-Presse: "I'm not an extreme right-wing sympathiser, I'm here to defend our fundamental freedoms."

Counter-protests against the main march also took place, with about 100 people at one rally. "You are marching with Nazis and Fascists," shouted some participants, according to broadcaster RBB.

What are Germany's Covid-19 measures?

The country was one of the most effective in enforcing the framework of response referred to as prevent, detect, contain and treat.

It has been particularly effective in keeping the death rate among the over 70s lower.

It began relaxing physical distancing in early April but continued to track infections, which have seen a rise in August.

On Thursday, Chancellor Angela Merkel and the 16 federal states introduced a minimum €50 (£45; $59) fine for failing to wear a face mask where ordered. A ban on major public events was also extended until next year.

Mrs Merkel said: "We will have to live with this virus for a long time to come. It is still serious." She said it would become more challenging in the winter.

Germany has recorded 242,000 infections, fewer than the other major European nations. Its figure of 9,297 deaths is considerably lower than the numbers in Russia, the UK, Spain, France and Italy, Johns Hopkins University research shows.

Germany coronavirus: Hundreds arrested in German 'anti-corona' protests (9)Germany coronavirus: Hundreds arrested in German 'anti-corona' protests (10)

Germany coronavirus: Hundreds arrested in German 'anti-corona' protests (11)Germany coronavirus: Hundreds arrested in German 'anti-corona' protests (12)

What are the rules around Europe?
Germany coronavirus: Hundreds arrested in German 'anti-corona' protests (2024)

FAQs

Did Germany lift COVID restrictions? ›

Info. All COVID‑19 entry restrictions to Germany are lifted for the time being. Entry to Germany is permitted for all travel purposes (including tourism and visits). It is no longer necessary to present proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or a negative test result for entry to Germany.

How did Germany combat COVID? ›

The population-wide implementation of interventions, such as physical distancing, mask wearing and testing regimens restored public life and offered protection by reducing individual risk for severe COVID-19. These public health measures led to behavioural changes and had a direct effect on pandemic management.

When did Europe lift COVID restrictions? ›

On 29 June 2022, to ensure continued travel in the case of a significant worsening of the epidemiological situation, the EU Digital COVID Certificate Regulation was extended until 30 June 2023. By August 2022, all Member States had lifted all intra-EU travel restrictions.

Did Germany have a lockdown during COVID? ›

A partial lockdown from 2 November only temporarily halted the rise in case numbers; the total number of reported infections since the start of the pandemic crossed one million on 27 November. A hard lockdown from 15 December made FFP2 masks or other clinical masks mandatory on public transport and in shops.

When was the first case of Covid in Germany? ›

By the end of January 2020, the virus affected Germany with the first case confirmed on January 27, 2020 [3]. This case was a 33-year-old man employed by a company in Bavaria.

What is COVID-19 war? ›

Since January 2020, the War on COVID-19 has claimed the lives of more than a million Americans, exposed serious weaknesses in the country's health system and showcased amazing strength and cooperation. “This was a global war against an alien threat, a virus that we did not have any immunity to,” said Dr.

When did Germany lift travel ban? ›

Starting June 1, 2022, Germany will put an end to several of the travel restrictions imposed due to COVID-19. Indeed, "Until the end of August, we will suspend the 3G rule on entry" German Health Minister, Karl Lauterbach, has announced.

Are there still COVID travel restrictions? ›

All travelers arriving in or returning to California from other states or countries should follow CDC travel guidance. All travelers arriving in or returning to California from other states or countries should test 3-5 days after arrival.

What are the entry requirements for Germany? ›

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements
  • In Europe's Schengen area, your passport generally must be valid for at least six months at the time of your entry. ...
  • If you plan on transiting a Schengen country, review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page.
  • You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket.

Is it safe to travel to Germany right now? ›

Germany - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution in Germany due to terrorism. Country Summary: Terrorist groups keep planning attacks in Germany. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target tourist locations and transportation hubs.

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