Illuminated Tranquility of Cologne: The "Cologne Lights" Event
The "Cologne Lights" event, held in the heart of the city, concluded peacefully on the evening of [event date]. Thousands of participants gathered at Heumarkt for two separate marches, each nearly 3,000 strong, and the event proceeded without any incidents related to attacks on law enforcement officers or violations of assembly law.
However, elsewhere in the city, a separate assembly, the "Disarm Rheinmetall" alliance, was stopped by the Cologne Police on Mechthildisstraße/Im Sionstal on August 30th. The assembly was halted due to attacks on law enforcement officers and repeated violations of assembly law. Police used tear gas and batons to deter any further aggression.
During the "Cologne Lights" event, no participants were found covering their faces, lighting smoke bombs, donning protective gear, or being supplied with materials from an accompanying vehicle. This peaceful gathering did not involve any pyrotechnics, flammable liquid, or gas canisters. Mobile toilets were set up for the participants' convenience.
Despite some traffic disruptions, the event was well-organised, and no participants left before the event was concluded. Peaceful participants of the march departed before the unruly assembly was disbanded around 8:30 PM.
Identification of individuals directly involved in the unruly acts continued into the night. As of 3:30 AM, a suspect was arrested for resisting, and two persons were taken into custody. Twelve police officers were injured during the events, four of whom had to end their shift due to injuries.
The police provided drinks for participants who were trapped in the cordon during the event, ensuring the safety and comfort of all involved. The "Cologne Lights" event, despite the unrest elsewhere in the city, was a peaceful gathering that brought the community together.
