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Cologne police ban Rheinmetall camp: protest desired!
Cologne: Ban on the Rheinmetall disarm camp triggers protests and lawsuits – a blow to freedom of assembly.
Cologne police ban Rheinmetall camp: protest desired!
Things are simmering in Cologne: The Rheinmetall disarm camp planned for August 26th to 31st was banned by the police at the beginning of this week. This is seen as a clear attack on freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, which is an absolute no-go for many activists. The camp should be an important step to mobilize against militarization and for disarmament. This decision has caused outrage across the activist scene, and organizers have already filed a lawsuit against the ban.
An official statement from the organizers said that it was now about more than just running the camp. A petition and fundraising campaign have been launched to support the lawsuit. “We need massive pressure so that we can be successful!” they emphasize. The success of this lawsuit could also set a precedent for future bans on protests.
Mobilization and resistance
The situation has led to a call for mass mobilization. There are calls from the ranks of the left and trade unionists to become more involved and to take part in general meetings in schools, universities and companies. "There's something going on! We have to take to the streets together," said the voices from the movement. These organized meetings are intended to help mobilize people and send a strong signal against the ban.
In addition, the Cologne police's criminalization of anti-militarism has been sharply criticized. The authorities' stance raises questions about restrictions on freedom of assembly and suggests that state repression against forms of protest may increase.
Resistance is growing and it remains to be seen how the lawsuit against the ban will turn out. The organizers agree: "We won't give up, no matter what happens! We have to fight for our right to assembly and freedom of expression." Whether the pressure from the population will have an impact on politics remains exciting.
These developments are reminiscent of similar conflicts in Europe, where disputes over energy prices and reforms are also escalating. There are already clear questions about the implementation of political changes that need to be discussed not only in the energy sector, but also with regard to civil liberties. But in Cologne the defensive stance against a clear infringement on civil rights has its own character.