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The authorities in Leipzig are preparing for a confusing demonstration weekend.
The police are planning a large-scale operation on Saturday with a view to several registered car parades from the “lateral thinking” movement and various counter-events.
A spokeswoman for the Leipzig police said on Thursday that support from several federal states had been requested via the state interior ministry in Dresden.
The aim is to guarantee freedom of assembly both for those who oppose the corona restrictions and for the counter-demonstrators.
According to the city administration, several parades with a total of hundreds of cars have been registered from the environment of the "lateral thinking" movement, which are to start at various locations in Saxony.
According to the police spokeswoman, the assembly authorities in Chemnitz and Zwickau are also involved in the preparations.
Several police officers and journalists were attacked in early November
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The development of registrations and cancellations of meetings is dynamic, and the respective routes have not yet been finalized.
In any case, the police are preparing "for significant traffic obstructions in the whole of Leipzig and also in the vicinity," said the spokeswoman.
A rally originally planned from the “lateral thinking” environment at the Leipzig New Fair with more than 1000 registered cars has since been canceled.
The counter-demonstrators therefore fear that the opponents of the Corona measures could again target the inner city ring.
There, on November 7, 2020, tens of thousands of supporters of the movement broke police barriers and marched around the ring without permission and in disregard of the Corona rules.
Several police officers and journalists were attacked and some injured.
There were several arrests.
"Our goal is to slow down 'lateral thinking'"
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Leipzig representatives from political parties, trade unions and civil society called for protest.
The action network "Leipzig takes place" announced three bicycle demonstrations and a motorcycle parade.
These should lead to a rally on the central Augustusplatz at noon.
The Green and Left Party, the Verdi union, the “Erich Zeigner Haus” association for civil courage and a motorcycle club also took part in the call.
The organizers expect a total of around 1000 participants.
Since the situation was confusing because of the car protests, creative actions are also required, said Irena Rudolph-Kokot for the alliance: “Our goal is to slow down 'lateral thinking'.” Under no circumstances will “any wishbones” be allowed unhindered to let go through the city center, she emphasized: "If the police can't do it, we have to do it ourselves."
Riots after the “lateral thinking” demo in Leipzig
Tens of thousands of people demonstrated against the Corona restrictions in Leipzig and disregarded them en masse.
At first everything remains peaceful, but when the city dissolves the meeting, the mood changes.
Source: WELT / Michael Wüllenweber