Police in Cologne have announced their stance on cancelling the gathering set for this Saturday (August 30)
At 2:40 PM on August 30, participants in the "Disarm Rheinmetall" assembly on Heumarkt began masking themselves and carried unpermitted telescopic iron bars. Ready police intervened, using batons and irritant spray, to free two police officers and separate the violent block from the rest of the assembly.
The original content is from the Cologne Police, transmitted via news aktuell.
As the procession continued, the police stopped it again at 4 PM in the area of "An der Malzmühle/Am Malzbuchel" due to the reappearance of iron bars and wooden planks. Later, pyrotechnics, banners, change of clothing, and gloves were distributed, further escalating the situation.
Martin Lotz, the Leading Police Director, stated that a block of about 500 people out of the approximately 3000 participants did not adhere to the agreements, giving the assembly an unfriendly character in public perception. He expressed regret over the violence and injuries sustained by his colleagues, particularly the attack on two police officers who were unable to continue their duties.
During a search of the baggage wagon, the police found large flags, various pyrotechnics, two helium gas cylinders, eight glass bottles filled with paint, a bottle of denatured alcohol, and sparklers.
Individuals from the violent block attempted, albeit unsuccessfully, to remove weapons from the holsters of the officers. At around 5:40 PM, liaison officers of the police were attacked and injured by a larger group of people on Mechthildisstraße within the stopped procession.
A parliamentary observer claimed to have been pushed by police officers during the containment, which will be investigated. However, the provided search results do not contain information about the name of the parliamentary observer allegedly tapped by police officers during a control.
The police had anticipated such behaviour and made it clear they would firmly act against violence and unfriendly actions. The assembly leadership did not intervene when pyrotechnics were used at 3:30 PM.
Lotz also mentioned that the group, including those who traveled from Berlin, may not have intended to protest peacefully as prescribed by Article 8 of the Basic Law, based on their behaviour and items carried.
Press inquiries should be directed to the Cologne Police Headquarters Press Office.
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