BACKGROUND: Demonstrations planned in Germany against G8

Jun 1, 2007, 12:39 GMT

Rostock, Germany - Critics of the G8 summit June 6-8 in Heiligendamm in Germany have obtained permits for about 70 demonstrations in Mecklenburg West Pomerania, the mainly rural state where world leaders are meeting.

Many of the rallies are likely to attract only a few dozen or a few hundred sympathizers of the different political groups. A list of broader events follows.

The biggest event is expected to be Saturday's rally in the port city of Rostock, 20 kilometres east of Heiligendamm, with police expecting up to 100,000.

June 2: International Demonstration, slogan: 'A Different World is Possible.' Two processions converge in port.

June 2: Far-right Nationalist Democratic Party protests against G8 with 2,000 supporters in city of Schwerin, 65 kilometres south of venue. Three groups may muster 5,000 to demonstrate at same hour against the NPD in the city.

June 3: 5,000 expected at Global Farming Action rally in downtown Rostock with walk to a genetic technology lab.

June 3: 20,000 at 'Impeach G8, Stop War' rally in Rostock.

June 4: Pro-immigration groups march in Rostock.

June 5-7: Alternative Summit at schools and other venues in Rostock.

June 6: Day of Action Against Militarism, War and Torture outside Rostock Airport. Appeal judges have yet to rule on a ban on this event.

June 7: Convergence march planned from three tent villages to gates of summit, but judges have ordered the marchers to stay seven kilometres away on a main highway.

June 7: Raise Your Voice Against Poverty, a sell-out protest concert for 65,000 in Rostock's IGA Park.

June 8: Major farewell rally in port of Rostock.

(Sources: Police, Rostock Committee Against G8)