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Freedom to demonstrate at the limit: DGB fights against ban in Giessen!
Giessen bans counter-demonstrations to found the AfD youth. The DGB and the Left Party are suing against the court decision.
Freedom to demonstrate at the limit: DGB fights against ban in Giessen!
It's boiling in Giessen! While the AfD is inviting people to found a new youth organization, the city is planning draconian measures to contain the protests. Loud netzpolitik.org Several counter-demonstrations near the event were banned. In order to relocate the meetings, the city sent the protesters to the other side of the Lahn. This means that it is not only met with resistance from the applicants, but also with massive criticism from various organizations.
The decision of the Gießen Administrative Court to reject the meeting requests of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) caused quite a stir. The DGB pointed out that the relocation was not justified based on the criteria of the lack of space in the city. Critics see the new requirements as a restriction on freedom of assembly, a fundamental right that is anchored in the Basic Law (Article 8 of the Basic Law) and protects the right to peaceful assembly, such as University of Potsdam explained.
Reactions to the decision
The DGB Hesse-Thuringia announced that it would appeal the decision before the Hesse Administrative Court. DGB chairman Michael Rudolph emphasizes the importance of protesting within hearing and sight of the addressee. “On Saturday we would like to send a visible, solidarity and democratic signal against misanthropy and division,” explains Rudolph, referring to the peacefulness of the planned gatherings.
In addition, the Left party has also announced legal action against the city's decision. In a statement, they care about the democratic process and criticize the measure as undemocratic. The Gießener Anzeiger reports that the city is trying to provide a shuttle service to keep the population mobile despite the restrictions. A free shuttle service will be set up between the university campuses and the city center to make it easier for visitors who want to take part in the protests.
The city's safety concerns
The city administration relies on a police risk analysis that led to the relocation of the protests. Parts of the ring road in Giessen will be closed to traffic next weekend to ensure safety. This decision was met with incomprehension not only by the protesters, but also by the Greens, who viewed the founding of the AfD youth organization as an attack on democratic values.
The city's written order was only delivered to the applicants on Saturday afternoon, which only increased the actors' incomprehension and indignation. For the DGB and the Left it is clear: an important fundamental right is being questioned here.
If the protests want to take place on Saturday, the participants not only have to keep an eye on the relocation, but also all the requirements and security measures. But the will to send an important signal for democracy and tolerance is there. This is remarkable and a sign that many people are standing up against injustice even in difficult times.
The next few weeks will show whether the protesters will be heard or whether the city's requirements and the court's decisions will take on further dimensions. After all, the principle remains that meetings must take place close to the addressee in order to convey the messages clearly.