Düsseldorf (dpa / lnw) - Because more demonstrators came than allowed, the applicant for a demonstration in Düsseldorf has had to answer to a court since Wednesday. The 35-year-old from Essen is accused of violating the Assembly Act. Due to the lack of crucial witnesses, the verdict was adjourned.
According to the indictment, he did nothing on March 20, 2021 when more than 1,200 people came to a Kurdish rally, although only 500 had been admitted by the police due to a corona protection requirement. The police finally broke up the demo because of the large number of participants. The applicant had lodged an objection against a penalty order in the amount of 1,200 euros.
The 35-year-old defendant sees himself as innocent: "I have already registered 500 to 600 rallies in Essen as the person responsible and have never had any problems." His defense attorney doubted the police information on the number of participants and that his client had committed a criminal offense at all.
Demonstrations were also expressly permitted under the Corona Protection Ordinance in force at the time. A new trial date has not yet been set.
