Because of the Russian attack on Ukraine, the Berlin police in the German capital have massively increased security precautions. Russian and Ukrainian facilities are now under special police protection. For two days, there have been barriers on the sidewalk in front of the Russian embassy on Unter den Linden in Mitte. The police presence was also increased.
“We have increased the security measures for diplomatic and other objects on an ad hoc basis,” confirmed a police spokeswoman for the Berliner Zeitung on Thursday. The police are also conducting a city-wide investigation on an ad hoc basis. This means: On their patrols, the officers are required to pay attention to spontaneous demonstrations, damage or other actions.
“In addition, there is a permanently updated risk assessment by the State Criminal Police Office in close cooperation with the BKA,” said the spokeswoman. “Additional forces are kept ready for unforeseen actions in the city area.”
Fear of Russian cyber attacks
The fear of cyber attacks by Russian hackers on critical infrastructure in Germany has increased. Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) announced on Thursday that the authorities had increased the protective measures for their defense and sensitized relevant bodies. “All information comes together in the National Cyber Response Center, which closely monitors current developments. We are also alert and prepared for protests and demonstrations in Germany. I also discussed this with the state interior ministers.”
Several demonstrations in Berlin were spontaneously registered for Thursday: A single person registered a rally for Pariser Platz in front of the Brandenburg Gate from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., to which 50 people are expected. The motto is “#StandWithUkraine”.
From 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., a single applicant expects around 500 participants to take part in a rally on Willi-Brandt-Strasse in front of the Federal Chancellery. Sanctions against Russia are to be demanded there. Solidarus eV, which campaigns for civil rights in Russia, has announced a rally for the period from 5 to 8 p.m. on March 18 Square in front of the Brandenburg Gate. About 300 participants are expected.