Demonstrations to Continue at Munich Security Conference Despite Car Crash Tragedy
Intro
Following the tragic incident where a car drove into a protest march on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, organizers have decided to continue planned demonstrations with certain adjustments.
Fridays for Future Rally
On Friday afternoon (2 pm), climate activists from Fridays for Future (FFF) will hold a rally at Königsplatz instead of a march. "We have decided to hold the rally," said an FFF spokesperson.
The rally will exclude band performances and focus on giving a voice to those affected by the previous day’s violence. "We want to create space for mourning," the spokesperson explained.
Despite the tragedy, climate concerns remain urgent. "In the past year, one climate catastrophe has followed the next," the spokesperson said. "The floods in Bavaria have made it unambiguously clear what is at stake."
The rally was initially registered for 3,500 participants, but due to the incident and weather conditions, the actual turnout is uncertain.
Aktionsbündnis gegen die Sicherheitskonferenz Protest
On Saturday afternoon (1 pm), a large demonstration organized by the Aktionsbündnis gegen die Sicherheitskonferenz (Action Alliance against the Security Conference) is still planned. "We have had discussions with the authorities," said a spokesperson. "We have mutually decided to proceed with the event as planned."
The march will start at Karlsplatz, pass through parts of Schwabing, and end at Marienplatz. The alliance also plans a human chain from Karlsplatz to Marienplatz, where a final rally will take place. The event is registered for 5,000 participants.
Munich Police Response
The Kreisverwaltungsreferat (Munich’s City Administrative Department) has indicated that changes to other planned demonstrations in connection with the Security Conference are possible. Discussions are ongoing.
Importance of Continued Protests
Despite the tragedy, organizers believe it is crucial to continue demonstrating. "We have to show that we will not be intimidated by violence," said an Aktionsbündnis spokesperson. "The issues we are fighting for, such as peace and climate justice, are too important to be silenced."
Conclusion
The Munich Security Conference has been a platform for global security discussions for many years, but it has also drawn protests from those critical of its focus on military solutions and its exclusion of voices advocating for peace and disarmament. The tragic car crash incident has cast a shadow over this year’s conference, but organizers are determined to continue their peaceful demonstrations and hold decision-makers accountable for their actions.
