Protests against the government’s coronavirus policy and vaccinations are planned in a number of German cities on Saturday.
Around 8,000 people are expected in the northern port city of Hamburg from 4 p.m. for what is expected to be the largest one (1500 GMT).
According to the police, they intend to march through the city center with the slogan “Hands off our children.”
Vaccinations for children have begun in earnest in Germany as a result of recommendations from the country’s top vaccine body, but surveys show that parents are divided on the issue.
There is also a heated debate about whether or not mandatory vaccination should be implemented in the coming year.
According to the Police, nearly 1,000 people are expected to attend three counter-rallies organized by the left-wing scene.
Protests are also planned in the south-western city of Freiburg, which is expected to draw 2,500 people, and in Neumarkt, Bavaria’s Upper Palatinate region, which is expected to draw 1,500 people, as well as several smaller demonstrations in the northern city of Hanover.
According to a police spokesperson, a demonstration in Berlin was prohibited.
The reason given, as in previous demonstrations, was the expected violation of coronavirus rules such as the requirement to wear a mask and keep a safe distance.
There were a total of 2000 registered participants.
Despite previous bans, a large number of protesters had gathered and were only dispersed when the police intervened.
As a response to the ongoing protests, associations, churches, and institutions in Thuringia’s central town of Greiz want to send out a signal for social cohesion and respect.
During coronavirus protests in Greiz on Saturday evening, 14 police officers were hurt.