Overview

• Cologne police and the administrative court prohibited the ‘Rheinmetall Entwaffnen’ protest camp scheduled for 26–31 August, citing an immediate danger to public safety.
• The organisers filed an urgent legal appeal through lawyer Nils Spörkel, challenging the court’s rationale and aiming to escalate the case to the Oberverwaltungsgericht.
• Jurisdiction for the planned 28 August demonstration at CEO Armin Papperger’s private residence in Meerbusch was transferred from Neuss police to Cologne police, delaying a decision on the event’s approval.
• Rheinmetall condemned calls to approach or harass individuals at their private addresses even as the company reaffirmed its respect for freedom of expression.
• Armin Papperger remains under police protection following past threats and a 2024 arson incident at one of his properties, heightening security concerns ahead of potential protests.