Protesters to gather outside the residence of Rheinmetall's executive, backed by a liberal coalition
In the heart of Düsseldorf, Germany, a controversial protest is scheduled to take place at the end of August. The target of this demonstration is none other than Armin Papperger, the CEO of Rheinmetall, an arms company based in the city.
The planned protest is not your typical demonstration at a corporate headquarters. Instead, it is set to occur outside Papperger's private residence, a villa in a wealthy neighbourhood near Düsseldorf. This move has sparked a legal debate, with constitutional lawyer Markus Thiel stating that such actions are delicate issues, subject to local laws regarding privacy, disturbance, and public order[1].
Rheinmetall, a company often criticized for profiting from war, has faced criticism in the past. Last year, an arson attack was made on Papperger's garden house[1]. The planned protest is part of a broader anti-militarist movement, organised by groups like Rheinmetall Enteignen. However, the Düsseldorf police have banned a related protest camp and parade, citing risks such as "radicalisation," and courts have upheld these bans, indicating local authorities use public order and security grounds to regulate protests at private residences[2].
Despite the legal challenges and police bans, activists from the action alliance "Rheinmetall Disarm" have expressed their intent to continue with the protests, arguing from a standpoint of civil resistance. According to a member of the group, 80 participants have been registered for the protest[3].
The state protection department is investigating the planned protest, with police and security services visible in the surrounding streets of Papperger's residence. It is said that Russia planned an attack on Papperger, which was prevented by American and German intelligence services[4].
Papperger is one of the most threatened managers in Germany and has constant and heavy personal protection, with his villa being guarded[5]. The NRW Ministry of the Interior and Düsseldorf Police are sources for this information.
Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, Rheinmetall's stock price has increased tenfold[6]. The company's involvement in the supply of weapons and military technology to various countries has made it a key player in the global arms trade.
However, the legality of demonstrations at CEOs' private homes remains a complex issue. While protesters have a right to assembly, their actions must not infringe upon the rights of the individual, including privacy and the right to a peaceful life. As such, participants in the planned protest against Papperger face risks of prohibition or legal consequences[2][3].
This situation reflects common legal tensions between free assembly and private rights in many democratic countries. Protesters should expect stringent legal scrutiny if attempting to demonstrate at CEO residences.
References: 1. [Link to source 1] 2. [Link to source 2] 3. [Link to source 3] 4. [Link to source 4] 5. [Link to source 5] 6. [Link to source 6]
The planned protest against Armin Papperger, the CEO of Rheinmetall, is not just a regular demonstration but an unprecedented one as it's scheduled to take place at his private residence, sparking a legal debate over privacy, disturbance, and public order.
Despite the legal challenges and potential bans, activists from the action alliance "Rheinmetall Disarm" have expressed their intent to continue with the protests, arguing from a standpoint of civil resistance, with 80 participants registered for the protest.
