Security - Berlin sets up no-knife zones during the European Football Championships
During the midpoint of the UEFA European Football Championship, Berlin will establish weapon and knife restriction zones at certain times. This is to ensure as much security as possible, stated Berlin's Police President Barbara Slowik on Friday during an interim assessment of the EM. A corresponding general order, which is to be effective from Saturday until July 15, was published in the official gazette.
According to the official gazette, restriction zones will be set up at specific locations around the Berlin Olympic Stadium, both fan zones at the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag, as well as fan meeting points at Breitscheidplatz and Hammarskjöldplatz. According to the official gazette, weapons and knives "with a fixed or foldable blade with a blade length of more than four centimeters, as well as axes, swords, daggers or sabers" are prohibited.
No reason for fear
In essence, it's about creating more security at highly frequented locations during the tournament, said Slokwik on Friday. In the past, there have been incidents of stabbings in cities, such as in Stuttgart. During a confrontation in the fan zone on a Wednesday, several people were injured.
However, there's no need for anyone to be afraid, emphasized the Police President. Overall, the police have been "very satisfied" with the deployment around the EM. Events on the fringe, such as fan marches or public viewings in the city, have largely been disturbance-free. A total of 280 coercive or restrictive measures have been carried out by officers during six deployment days. Approximately 170 reports were filed. The crime rate is in the low three-digit range, said Slowik further.
Two additional public viewings at the Brandenburg Gate
Senator for the Interior Iris Spranger (SPD) announced two additional public viewings at the Brandenburg Gate: the quarterfinal between Romania and the Netherlands, as well as the quarterfinal between Austria and Turkey on Tuesday. We have many fans and a large Turkish community in the city, said Spranger regarding the decision. The main stage at the Brandenburg Gate was originally intended to show only the three German group stage matches, the three group stage matches, the German quarterfinal, and the seven matches from the quarterfinals to the final on July 14 in Berlin.
Berlin Official Gazette from 28.06. Communication from the Police on Weapon Restriction Zones
- The European Football Championship in Berlin will implement weapon and knife restriction zones, as announced by Berlin's Police President Barbara Slowik.
- According to the official gazette, these zones will be established at the Olympic Stadium Berlin, fan zones at the Brandenburg Gate, and other fan meeting points like Breitscheidplatz.
- Germany's participation in the European Football Championship (EM) #EM24 has led to the establishment of prohibited zones to ensure internal security.
- Barbara Slowik reiterated that the main aim is to increase security at highly frequented locations, following incidents of stabbings in cities like Stuttgart.
- The Police President reassured that despite the restrictions, there's no need for anyone to fear, as the deployment around the EM has been successful so far.
- In addition to the original plan, Senator Iris Spranger announced two additional public viewings at the Brandenburg Gate for the quarterfinal matches between Romania and the Netherlands, and Austria and Turkey.
- To avoid confusion, the Berlin Official Gazette published a communication about the weapon restriction zones and the related restrictions, effective from Saturday until July 15.
