For the AfD, the demonstration provided a chance to highlight criticism of Ms. Merkels government, which has enjoyed widespread success and made Germany the envy of many countries for its handling of the virus.
Berlin security authorities sought to ban the protest over fears that participants would violate laws intended to prevent the spread of the virus. But supporters of the demonstration assailed the ban as an attempt to stifle citizens freedom and a violation of their constitutional rights.
The decision is a victory for freedom over the established parties antidemocratic, ideology-driven policy of prohibition and paternalism, said Tino Chrupalla, a spokesman for the AfD, which is the largest opposition party in Parliament.
Earlier this month, the police broke up a similar protest after an estimated 20,000 demonstrators, defying orders that they wear masks and keep a distance of at least five feet from one another, marched along the same route demanding an end to the restrictions.
Berlins top security official, Andreas Geisel, cited behavior during the Aug. 1 demonstration in welcoming the initial decision to ban Saturdays protest, a decision that was later overturned. Nevertheless, Mr. Geisel said he was not prepared to accept that Berlin is abused a second time as a stage for corona deniers and right-wing extremists.read more
Berlin Police Halt Rally Against Coronavirus Restrictions
