G20 summit: 'Welcome to Hell' march to greet world leaders
Around 100,000 protesters expected in Hamburg as Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin roll into town
Hamburg is on high alert as world leaders - and protesters from across the political spectrum - gather for this weekend's G20 Summit.
Up to 100,000 protesters are expected to "turn the old merchant city into a site of a global contest over capitalism, the environment and ethnic nationalism", the Washington Post reports.
Around 8,000 are thought to be from violent left-wing groups based in Scandinavia, Switzerland, Italy and beyond, city police chief Ralf Martin Meyer told the Associated Press, saying he was expecting "not just sit-in protests, but massive assaults".
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
"German police have seized knives, baseball bats and containers presumed to be filled with flammable liquid and unknown chemicals from various locations in and around Hamburg," The Guardian reports.
One flashpoint is likely to be the Welcome to Hell march, which is scheduled to coincide with this afternoon's arrival of world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Dozen of protests are planned, including a zombie-themed event against governments and banks and a demonstration calling for the removal of all national borders.
At the other end of the political spectrum, a far-right protest will signal its support for Donald Trump.
"The prime ministers and presidents have yet to arrive, but protests have already turned to violence," says the BBC. Police on Tuesday used water cannon to control demonstrations and scuffled with protesters as they tried to clear away temporary camps, while last night, a Porsche dealership was set on fire.
In an attempt to prevent further violence, police have blocked off a 15-square-mile "no protest zone" to protect the airport and conference centre. Transit corridors will allow convoys of VIPs to avoid violent demonstrators.
Hartmude Dudde, leading the security team for Hamburg police, told AP he would use every piece of equipment imaginable, including underwater and aerial drones. An estimated 20,000 officers will be on duty.
“You can count on a very quick reaction time,” he told reporters. “Well under a minute, that's the concept. They are, in principle, everywhere."
However, some residents say the security operation may prove counter-productive. "Local people complained that heavy-handed police have ratcheted up tensions," the Guardian says.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The mental health crisis affecting vets
Under The Radar Death of Hampshire vet highlights mental health issues plaguing the industry
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
The Onion is having a very ironic laugh with Infowars
The Explainer The satirical newspaper is purchasing the controversial website out of bankruptcy
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
'Rahmbo, back from Japan, will be looking for a job? Really?'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Has the Taliban banned women from speaking?
Today's Big Question 'Rambling' message about 'bizarre' restriction joins series of recent decrees that amount to silencing of Afghanistan's women
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Cuba's energy crisis
The Explainer Already beset by a host of issues, the island nation is struggling with nationwide blackouts
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sweden clears final NATO hurdle with Hungary vote
Speed Read Hungary's parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden's accession to NATO
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published