Protest staged outside a private residence featuring a makeshift stage
In the Rhein-Kreis Neuss near Düsseldorf, a protest against Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger is scheduled for Thursday, 28th August. This demonstration is part of a broader series of anti-militarist protests and events happening in the Rhein-Ruhr region from 26th to 31st August, 2025 [1].
Organized by the anti-racist alliance "Düsseldorf stands up" (DSSQ), the protest is not a traditional gathering but a "moving procession" [1]. The protesters aim to draw attention to their concerns by marching through the villa district, with the meeting point for the march planned at a subway station on the city border of Düsseldorf.
The exact number of participants is unclear, with estimates ranging from 80 registered individuals, as reported by the police in Neuss, to around 200 as mentioned by the Rheinische Post [1]. The police are still deciding whether to grant a permit for the protest, and no specific details about the potential scale or police response have been disclosed [1].
The protestors accuse Armin Papperger, as CEO of Rheinmetall, of equipping countries like Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain with weapons that are used against civilian populations [1]. However, it's important to note that Rheinmetall generates more than 95 percent of its revenue with NATO member states and with Ukraine, but no weapons are supplied to Israel [1].
Oliver Ongaro, spokesperson for DSSQ, has been vocal about his criticism of Rheinmetall. He emphasizes that the demonstration is not about intimidating Armin Papperger but about raising awareness of the civilian casualties caused by Rheinmetall weapons [1]. Ongaro has already faced criticism for his involvement in the demonstration but has defended his actions by stating that he has discussed the matter with representatives of "Rheinmetall Disarm" [1].
Initial cooperation talks with the organizers of the protest took place last Friday [1]. However, no decision has been made yet on whether the protest will be allowed to take place. It is possible that the responsibility for the protest could be transferred to the Cologne police [1].
The planned protest is part of a larger movement in the Rhein-Ruhr region, with workshops, discussions, cultural events, and direct protests aimed at Rheinmetall and other arms manufacturers in the area [1]. This series of events, linked to an anti-militarist camp, is proceeding despite potential permitting issues, with organizers stating the camp and associated demonstrations will go ahead “with or without permission” [1].
References: [1] [Link to the original source if available]
The scheduled protest against Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, criticizing his company's alleged role in supplying weapons to countries involved in war-and-conflicts, is part of a larger series of anti-militarist events happening in the Rhein-Ruhr region from 26th to 31st August, 2025. Politics surrounding this issue have been prevalent, with debates about the role of arms manufacturers like Rheinmetall in general-news.
