Protests by heRheinmetall disarm: declaration of war to German imperialism

Protesters affiliated with the anti-military group “Disarm Rheinmetall” have announced plans to hold two major demonstrations in September against Germany’s military expansion and its role in global conflicts. The protests, scheduled for late August through early September, will take place in Cologne and Hamburg, targeting both the arms manufacturer Rheinmetall and NATO military exercises. The group has accused Germany of embarking on a new form of imperialism, citing statements from Chancellor Friedrich Merz about strengthening the German armed forces. The first demonstration will occur from September 1 to 6 in Cologne, featuring a protest camp within the inner green belt near the television tower. This location was chosen due to its proximity to several defense-related sites, including Rheinmetall's headquarters in Düsseldorf and the nearby Dynamit Nobel Defence plant in Burbach, which produces weapons for Israel. Additionally, the federal defense ministry maintains one of its main offices in Bonn, just outside Cologne. The protest will include workshops on topics such as conscientious objection and civil disobedience, culminating in a large demonstration on September 6. A second action is planned for September 24–26 in Hamburg, where protesters intend to challenge the NATO exercise “Red Storm Charlie.” These demonstrations follow similar actions last year, during which police were criticized for their handling of the event. Last year, authorities initially sought to ban the Cologne protest but failed in court. During the subsequent demonstration, hundreds of protesters were encircled and detained for up to 12 hours, resulting in over 100 injuries. A legal complaint against this conduct is still pending at the Cologne administrative court. The group “Disarm Rheinmetall” has drawn attention to Rheinmetall’s role in the so-called “Zeitenwende,” a policy shift toward increased military spending following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Critics argue that the company benefits significantly from this policy and that its products are used by Israeli forces in Gaza. Earlier this week, members of the group “Peacefully Against Genocide,” formed by former activists from the environmental group “Last Generation,” blocked a Rheinmetall facility in Bonn. Similar disruptions have occurred at other Rheinmetall locations, including a newly constructed site in Berlin. Spokesperson Luca Hirsch described the current situation as a new phase of German militarization, emphasizing that the goal of becoming Europe’s strongest conventional army goes beyond defensive capabilities. He suggested that the government aims to project power globally rather than merely defend against external threats. The protests aim to highlight these concerns through direct actions such as blockades, banners, and potential sabotage around military installations. Legal challenges have already emerged regarding past police responses to these demonstrations. Attorney Anna Busl noted that previous actions taken by law enforcement were deemed unlawful in court. One ruling from the Cologne local court pointed out that officers began preparing for prolonged detentions by bringing in portable toilets and water supplies before obtaining necessary legal approval. This preparation was conducted despite the lack of official authorization, raising questions about the legality of the police response. The return to Cologne for this year’s protests appears to be partly symbolic, serving as a critique of the police force that attempted to ban the event last year. Despite legal setbacks, the group continues to organize under the belief that public resistance can influence policy decisions related to military engagement and arms production. As the dates approach, organizers expect continued scrutiny from authorities while planning a series of decentralized actions aimed at disrupting military operations and drawing attention to their cause.