Vaccination opponents: Large-scale police operation against prohibited demos in Munich
Hundreds of vaccination critics played a “cat and mouse game” with the police in Munich today. In the case of unauthorized corona protests, groups of demonstrators marched through the city at various locations. More than 1,000 police officers were deployed. The situation has now calmed down again.
Munich police draw a positive balance
The Munich police drew a positive balance of their use. The head of the press office of the Munich police headquarters, Andreas Franken, said: The deployment concept was “demanding, but successful”. In view of several groups that were out and about in the city, the police managed to “react flexibly to the respective situation”.
Franken emphasizes: “We approached proactive groups of people whom we encountered and pointed out the general decree of the city”. Anyone taking part in such “walks” without permission is committing an administrative offense. That can cost 3000 euros. How many arrests and reports there have been is not yet certain.
“Walkers” with whistles and flares
Ludwigstrasse was closed. Demonstrators also gathered at Stiglmaierplatz, the pedestrian zone, Stachus, Marienplatz and Karlstrasse. Later, the “walkers” moved along Sonnenstrasse in the direction of Sendlinger Tor. They shouted “Peace, Freedom, No Dictatorship” and used whistles. According to eyewitnesses, a flare was lit at the Viktualienmarkt.
Police surrounded vaccination critics at Marienplatz
In the evening, police forces surrounded around 50 demonstration participants at Marienplatz. Your personal details were recorded and they were taken away, as BR reporters reported on site. A crowd formed around the event, showing solidarity and chanting freely. “
The Munich police also arrested a large group of corona demonstrators in Sendlinger Straße. According to information from BR reporters, their personal details have been established and they have presumably received reports.
Several arrests already
Corona opponents are also coming together in Blumenstrasse and in the university district. BR reporters reported that the majority of the demonstrators did not keep their distance and did not wear masks. According to the police, there have been several arrests, including three large groups. They received charges of violating a general order.
Police speak of “potential for aggression”
A police spokesman spoke of “a dynamic situation in downtown Munich”. Apparently there were no serious incidents. The police spoke of a “certain potential for aggression”.
Previously, the vaccination critics alliance “Munich stands up” canceled the demonstration after a decision by the Munich Administrative Court. The conditions were “unacceptable”, so the organizers. The court had a stationary demonstration with up to 5,000 das after an urgent motion by the alliance However, the alliance did not want to accept a demonstration without the possibility of a demonstration march and at a distance and FFP2 masks.
First isolated, then collected
Initially, the anti-vaccination groups were widely distributed across the city center. As the evening progressed, more and more protesters met and gathered in the pedestrian zone. Equipped with cowbells and whistles and chanting “Peace and Freedom”, the train moved from Marienplatz over the Isartor past the Viktualienmarkt. Again and again the demonstrators ran on the street and blocked the traffic.
Cat and mouse game by anti-vaccination opponents and police
According to a BR reporter, anti-vaccination opponents are playing a cat-and-mouse game with the police in the side streets of Königsplatz. The demonstrators constantly shifted their location, shouting “peace and freedom”. The police were on the move with flashing lights and a large number of emergency vehicles. BR reporters reported that Königsplatz had meanwhile been cordoned off. Police helicopters circled over the city. The police took personal details from demonstrators.