Commission's Involvement in Report's Preparation
In a series of peaceful demonstrations across Germany, citizens gathered to voice their opinions on various issues, including the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party and the promotion of traditional family values. However, one particular event, a "Together for Germany" rally, remains somewhat enigmatic, with limited information available.
On a sunny day, approximately 75 individuals gathered at an undisclosed location for the "Together for Germany" rally from 2 PM to just before 4 PM. The proceedings at the rally appeared to have gone smoothly, with no major incidents or disruptions reported. However, attempts were made to disrupt the assembly, albeit unsuccessfully.
Following the "Together for Germany" rally, a counter-protest took place in the city, attracting around 200 participants. The counter-demonstrators marched along Westenhellweg, Kleppingstraße, and Südwall, culminating at Buffalo Platz. Simultaneously, two other gatherings took place at Schützenstraße and Rheinische Straße from 12:30 PM to approximately 3:30 PM.
The counter-protest at Katharinentreppe commenced at 12 PM, and all three events concluded peacefully, with no reports of violence or significant disruptions. Police maintained a strong presence throughout, ensuring the protection of the right to assembly.
However, a tragic incident occurred in the Friedrichstraße area, where a police officer was fatally attacked, but this event does not appear to be directly related to the aforementioned gatherings.
In a separate incident, criminal proceedings were initiated against a 16-year-old from Mönchengladbach, who was arrested for an altercation at the "Together for Germany" rally. Two women, one aged 21 from Wetter and one aged 31 from Dortmund, were also charged for attempting to hinder the police's actions during the rally.
Protests against the far-right AfD drew tens of thousands of Germans in about 60 towns, with banners aimed against far-right ideologies. Counter-demonstrations at Pride events across Germany, targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and promoting traditional family values, have been noted, particularly in eastern Germany. A protest was also held at the Moabit Court in Berlin on July 1, 2025, related to a trial, but details about this event are limited.
Meanwhile, Cologne's Christopher Street Day (CSD) parade, while not directly related to the "Together for Germany" rally, was attended by several hundred people promoting diversity and tolerance. The event did not report major incidents or counter-protests.
As the dust settles on these recent events, the details surrounding the "Together for Germany" rally and the related counter-protests continue to unfold, shedding light on the ongoing dialogue and activism within German society.
The "Together for Germany" rally, despite some attempts to disrupt it, proceeded peacefully from 2 PM to just before 4 PM at an undisclosed location. Simultaneously, a general-news story broke about criminal proceedings against a 16-year-old and two women for their actions at the rally, pointing to political undercurrents within crime-and-justice matters.
