Munich: Tens of thousands demonstrate against planned police law

The recast of the Police Act, planned by the CSU, greatly expands the powers of the police. The crowd in protest, however, was much stronger than expected.

Munich: Tens of thousands demonstrate against planned police law

In Bavarian state capital, tens of thousands went to streets in afternoon to protest against planned innovation of Bavarian Police Task Law (PAG). According to authorities, 30,000 people took part in large-scale demonstration in Munich, organizers spoke of more than 40,000 participants.

Canceled due to large crowd of kick-off rally at central Marienplatz Square. The demonstrators moved through city centre to Odeonsplatz, where re was a final rally. Simon Landry from Alliance "NoPAG – NO! To new police duties law "spoke of a loud but peaceful demonstration. The NoPAG Bündnigs includes more than 80 civil society organizations and parties.

Last summer, CSU adopted a new law on police duties by an absolute majority in Landtag. In May, CSU wants to adopt furr innovations and tightening up. Among or things, new law will contain concept of "imminent danger", in which critics are particularly disturbed.

From viewpoint of critics, this clause gives police powers to act earlier and to monitor computers and telephones. It is also oretically possible to have an infinite detention.

The Bavarian interior Minister Joachim Herrmann accused opponents of new police law of a disinformation campaign. After ongoing criticism, CSU group had already defused some of controversial innovations at end of April.  Intelligent video surveillance, for example, should now no longer include facial recognition.

The Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter (SPD) also referred to position in discussion about draft law: "I do not have impression that it would have taken a change," said Reiter of Augsburg General and pointed to good security situation in Munich. He assumes that law will fail in a constitutional action.

Date Of Update: 11 May 2018, 12:02
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