Political demonstration Activists occupy former Iranian Embassy in Bonn
BAD GODESBERG · Around 60 protesters gathered in front of the former Iranian embassy in Bonn on Thursday. Some of them managed to gain entry to the building without permission.
Political demonstrators occupied the former Iranian embassy on Godesberger Allee (B9) on Thursday afternoon. From the windows, one could see they had rolled out posters and portraits showing political prisoners in Iran. At the same time, a rally was held in front of the building; it had been registered in advance with police. The rally was for solidarity with the women’s movement in Iran.
But it had another meaning as well with participants wanting to draw attention to the housing shortage in Bonn. "We are also committed to ensuring that the vacant building is used as a cultural center in times of the housing shortage in Bonn," said a spokesman for the demonstrators to General-Anzeiger. The vigil had been registered to take place until midnight.
According to police, the protestors gained access to the former embassy through a window at around 3pm. Patrol cars arrived at the scene and later buses of police enforcements. At times, around 50 law enforcement officers were on site, surrounding the building, and facing protestors who were on the sidewalk in front of the embassy.
“No danger”
Police believed there were supporters of the so-called “Black block” among the protestors, and this could have spurred on violence. The “Black block” generally refers to those who show up for protests wearing dark clothing and partially masked faces. But officials said the demonstration went peacefully, apart from the occupation of the house. Since the building is no longer in use as the Iranian embassy, it is no longer an extraterritorial site. But it is still owned by The Republic of Iran.
Complaints could be filed against those who occupied the house - for trespassing, violating the ban which prohibits participants of demonstrations from wearing face coverings, and possible property damage, according to police. Later in the evening at police headquarters, they said that it had been decided not to go inside the former embassy building. Rather, they pursued a “de-escalation strategy” since the building was otherwise empty. For protestors leaving the building, however, they faced being met by police and being charged with suspected trespassing.
Meanwhile, in front of the embassy, the demonstration continued with drinks, hot food and music under a pavilion. "We deliberately chose this time and place to show solidarity with women engaged worldwide on World Women's Day," one participant explained. It was also about "a radical critique of the existing conditions." The demonstration took place on the wide walkway next to the building; police said there were no traffic hindrances for motorists on the busy B9. Orig. text: Nicolas Otterbach Translation: Carol Kloeppel
