I just think it’s quite telling that half of Nazis appear to wear some form of masks, which is illegal at protests and has been used frequently in the past to justify breaking up left protests.
It’s only illegal if intended to counteract identification by police and, alas, they have a good argument that that’s not the reason why they’re masked: They want to avoid identification by antifa.
Of course the whole thing in principle applies in reverse, but tough chance not getting the whole counter-protest confused for a black bloc then. Much better in these instances to keep it peaceful anyway so you get maximum participation of the general population, numbers very much trump bruises when it comes to Nazi egos. If possible, go for straight humiliation.
The specific law does not specify against whom the masking may or may not be targeted. It expresses a general ban on masking yourself at most public gatherings.
Well, they have a right to protest as well …
I just think it’s quite telling that half of Nazis appear to wear some form of masks, which is illegal at protests and has been used frequently in the past to justify breaking up left protests.
The cops even told us at the beginning of the protest, over loudspeakers, that we weren’t allowed to cover our faces.
If you accept the claim that they’re Nazis then no, they do not have the right to protest in Germany.
Unfortunately, it is not my opinion that is decisive here.
It’s only illegal if intended to counteract identification by police and, alas, they have a good argument that that’s not the reason why they’re masked: They want to avoid identification by antifa.
Of course the whole thing in principle applies in reverse, but tough chance not getting the whole counter-protest confused for a black bloc then. Much better in these instances to keep it peaceful anyway so you get maximum participation of the general population, numbers very much trump bruises when it comes to Nazi egos. If possible, go for straight humiliation.
The specific law does not specify against whom the masking may or may not be targeted. It expresses a general ban on masking yourself at most public gatherings.