Law enforcement in Cologne is gearing up for "Cologne lights" and various gathering spots - morning dismantling of barricade outside Bundeswehr building
On Saturday, the city of Cologne will see a significant police presence, with up to 1,600 officers deployed under the leadership of Chief Police Director Martin Lotz. This comes in response to several planned protests and potential blockades, including the "Anti-war day 2025" procession and the ongoing "Rheinmetall disarm" alliance assembly.
The "Rheinmetall disarm" alliance has announced a procession from 2:00 PM to 8:30 PM on Saturday, starting at the Heumarkt and ending at the Konrad-Adenauer-Kaserne in the Rodenkirchen district. However, tensions have risen as the group refused to clear the occupied entrance area, leading to the disbandment of the assembly by deployment forces.
On August 27th, more than 70 unidentified individuals blocked the access road to a military base on Bruhler Straße in Cologne. The participants were found to be in possession of climbing equipment and pyrotechnics. In response, four individuals were temporarily taken into custody on Swisttalstraße, allegedly en route to the blockade on Bruhler Straße.
The activist group "Rheinmetall Entwaffnen" also played a part in the August 27th events, preventing access to a military facility in Cologne by blocking the Bundeswehr career center building. The group was led by Luca Hirsch, who was publicly named as a spokesperson. The police initiated targeted criminal proceedings against the participants of the blockade action.
In addition to the "Rheinmetall disarm" alliance procession, another procession under the theme "Anti-war day 2025" with around 400 participants is expected to end on the Chlodwigplatz. The Cologne police are preparing for these larger deployment situations in the Cologne area on August 30th.
Martin Lotz emphasizes that the police will protect peaceful assemblies but will not tolerate violence or unfriendly actions. The water police and the state mounted unit will also be deployed. Media inquiries can be directed to the Police Headquarters Cologne Press Office.
The Cologne police will provide updates on current developments on their social media channels on Saturday. It is worth noting that the "Cologne Lights" will also take place at the same time.
Stay tuned for more updates as the events unfold in Cologne on Saturday.
