Obstructions due to Erdogan's visit: We ask for your understanding
Shortly before the arrival of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Berlin on (today's) Friday lunchtime, the police have advised of closures and traffic obstructions. "If you are affected by the traffic-related restrictions during the course of the day between 6 a.m. and midnight, we ask for your understanding," the police posted on their internet operations channel on the X platform. They advise people to drive around the areas.
Well over 1,500 police officers are accompanying Erdogan's visit, for which security level 1 applies. The number of officers has increased once again, according to the police. Support came from other federal states and from the federal police.
Since early Friday morning, large areas around the Chancellery, Bellevue Palace, the official residence of the Federal President, and the Turkish embassy in Tiergarten have been cordoned off. Only residents with ID are allowed access. Demonstrations are prohibited there, as is the parking of cars.
Erdogan is due to land at Berlin Airport around midday. In the early afternoon he will meet Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, followed by a meeting with Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and dinner. His departure is planned for the evening.
Several demonstrations against Erdogan's policies have been registered at the edge of the restricted zones. However, the largest demonstration is expected on Saturday, when 3,000 Kurds will march from Kreuzberg to the Brandenburg Gate to protest against the ban on the PKK workers' party. Calls for the demonstration have also come from radical left-wing groups.
- Due to the high security measures, the Head of state, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, will not be able to visit the Capital city's famous landmarks, such as the Brandenburg Gate, during his visit in Berlin.
- The Police and other security forces have been on high alert in the Capital city, employing extreme measures to prevent any extremist activities during Erdogan's visit.
- Despite the demonstrations and protests against Turkish President Erdogan's policies, the Capital city's police have prohibited any demonstrations within the restricted zones for security reasons, urging people to demonstrate peacefully outside those zones.
Source: www.dpa.com
