Police in Cologne have expressed their stance against the cancellation of the gathering scheduled for this coming Saturday (August 30)
On August 30, 2025, the Cologne Police were called upon to disperse the 'Disarm Rheinmetall' alliance's assembly. The event, which took place at Heumarkt, saw a series of incidents that raised concerns and will be thoroughly investigated.
At around 2:40 PM, participants were reported to have donned masks and carried unauthorized telescopic iron bars. This behaviour was met with a strong response from the police, who intervened using batons and irritant spray to maintain order.
A parliamentary observer reported being pushed by police during the proceedings, an incident that will be looked into.
The violence escalated further at around 3:30 PM, with pyrotechnics being set off and masked individuals disappearing under a large flag. This unruly behaviour led to the injuries of two police officers, who were unable to continue their duty.
Martin Lotz, the Leading Police Director, commented on the events, stating that a group of about 500 people did not adhere to agreements and gave the assembly an unfriendly character in public perception. He suggested that the violent group did not intend to protest peacefully, as indicated by the items brought along and their behaviour.
During the course of the assembly, police found large flags, various pyrotechnics, two helium gas cylinders, eight glass bottles filled with paint, a bottle of denatured alcohol, and sparklers. More pyrotechnics, banners, change of clothing, and gloves were distributed from the accompanying loudspeaker vehicle and used, causing the police to stop the procession again.
In response to the violence, reserve police officers intervened, rescuing the injured officers and separating the violent group from the rest of the assembly.
Martin Lotz expresses regret over the violent behaviour of the group, stating that the right to assembly is a crucial pillar of democracy in their country. He also commented that the Cologne Police had made it clear that they would resolutely act against violence and unfriendly actions, anticipating such behaviour.
The leader of one of the two merged processions reported at 3:40 PM that they no longer had full control over their assembly. The police stopped the procession in the 'An der Malzmühle/Am Malzbuchel' area at 4:00 PM due to the visibility of more iron bars and wooden planks.
For further information, the press should direct inquiries to the Cologne Police Headquarters Press Office. Martin Lotz, in expressing his concerns over the injuries sustained by many of his colleagues, reiterated the importance of peaceful protests and the rule of law.
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