ALERT: Germany- Protests in Hamburg (July 6, 2017)

Thursday, July 6, 2017

Alert – Germany: Protests in Hamburg

Protesters have clashed with riot police in Hamburg, Germany, ahead of the G20 summit that beings tomorrow. The summit is a meeting of leaders from the 20 largest economies in the world.

The U.S. Embassy in Berlin issued a Security Message for U.S. citizens:

The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Hamburg, Germany, to possible travel delays and security concerns related to the G20 Summit in Hamburg, on July 7th and 8th, 2017.

Hamburg and German federal authorities are preparing for potential protests from both international and local groups due to the event. These demonstrations and planned security measures may disrupt travel. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.

The U.S. Embassy in Berlin recommends that you avoid G20 host sites, particularly the security zones around the Hamburg Messehallen (Convention Center) and Elbphilharmonie from the 2nd through the 8th of July. Avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and exercise caution when in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations. Be alert and aware of your surroundings and pay attention to what the local news media has to say about local conditions.

Expect delays on all forms of transportation throughout Hamburg from the 2nd through the 9th of July, including roads, subways, buses, and at airports. It may be difficult to find hotels or other forms of lodging in the greater Hamburg area.

The UK’s Guardian is reporting:

German police have used water cannons and pepper spray to disperse an anti-capitalist protest march in Hamburg just as world leaders started to arrive in Germany’s second city for the summit of 20 major economies.

The “Welcome to Hell” march was due to move from Hamburg’s historic harbour area towards the venue where the G20 summit is due to be held on Friday and Saturday but the demonstration came to halt around 300 metres into its route after police blocked protesters’ paths.

Marchers chanted and waved banners during a stand-off that lasted around 40 minutes.

Police asked a group of hardcore demonstrators to remove their masks, after which they were attacked with bottles and stones by some marchers. They then decided to separate the group from the rest of the approximately 12,000-strong demonstration by force.

German media reported further skirmishes in Hamburg’s St Pauli and Altona districts in the early hours of the evening. Several cars were reportedly set on fire and barricades thrown up in the streets.

More than 100,000 protesters are expected for further protest marches on Saturday.

Please contact the PR Team if you have any concerns: TravelLeadersGroupPR@TravelLeaders.com.