Ban on spontaneous assemblies alongside farmers' protests

The Erzgebirgskreis district has banned spontaneous gatherings aimed at blocking roads in the wake of the farmers' protests announced for next Monday. Numerous calls for such blockades have been circulating on social networks, the district announced on Friday. "This request endangers public safety and order!" A general order has therefore been issued prohibiting such spontaneous actions with immediate effect. Both organizing and participating in such protest actions is prohibited.

"The protest of our farmers is absolutely legitimate in view of a completely misguided policy of the federal government and should therefore be made possible at all costs," explained district administrator Rico Anton (CDU). The green light had been given for seven assemblies. However, a total of 31 gatherings had been reported and numerous others had been announced online. As a result, there was a real danger that the work of the emergency services, fire department and police would be massively hindered. "In short: We want to enable legitimate protest, but prevent chaos and anarchy!" said the district administrator.