In anticipation of significant unrest during the so-called "Day X" in Leipzig, police are preparing for their largest deployment in two years. This Saturday, it is preparing for possible violent clashes and extensive damage due to calls for militancy and widespread threats of violence, according to Leipzig police headquarters.
The "Day X" follows the verdict in the Dresden trial against left-wing extremism, in which student Lina E. and three co-defendants are accused of assaulting suspected neo-Nazis and founding a criminal organization. After nearly 100 days of trial, the verdict is expected to fall on Wednesday.
The left-wing scene has been mobilizing for "Day X" in Leipzig for some time, according to police, in some cases even across Europe. Calls on the Internet and on social media urge people to show their solidarity on the streets of Leipzig.
The Leipzig police department states that the available information indicates that individuals ready for violence could travel to Leipzig and commit crimes. They call on participants to contribute to non-violence.
A gathering has been registered for Saturday. Information on the route, possible conditions or even a ban is still pending. The police are working closely with the city of Leipzig as the competent assembly authority.
On "Day X", the focus of the operation will be on the entire city area. Leipzig's police chief René Demmler will personally take charge of the operation. The police plan to take pictures in the city area and will use helicopters, loudspeaker trucks and water cannons. Support from other federal states has been requested.
Since last week, Leipzig police have been supported by a team of hundreds of riot police to prevent possible crimes before "Day X". This year, there have already been several arson attacks in Leipzig, which are attributed to the left-wing extremist scene.
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