Update on security & travel restrictions at Heiligendamm G8 Summit

Based on information received by email:

UPDATED 12 JANUARY 2007: An international "security" conference took place in November 2006 with participants from all the G8 countries plus Europol preparing for the summit. They have already announced the intention to stop protestors before they arrive at Heiligendamm - and this not only in Germany, but also other countries.

This seems new in the context of political events. Previously, protestors were stopped when entering INTO a country, not by their home police LEAVING. For example, people from the UK were turned back from the French border by french police before the G8 in Genoa (Italy) in 2001.

Now, the intention will be to stop you leaving your home country at all. For example, you could be stopped by italian police from leaving the Italian state to travel to Germany for the duration of the G8 summit.

This is due to better collaboration of European police on handling of so-called "hoologanism" at football matches.

It is possible that the police in Germany will ttherefore use Schengen Agreement arrangements to prevent residents of Schengen states (most of the EU) from travelling into Germany.

In the UK, 'known' or convicted football trouble-makers can be ordered to hand in their passports and to regularly report to their local police station (as if on police bail) for the duration of an overseas football tournament such as the world cup or european matches.

The UK legislation enabling the prevention of travel was originally designed specifically for football problems: it is not yet clear how such powers could be used against non-football people, ie protesters.

It is theoretically possible that the UK legislation could be amended to include ALL potential trouble-makers to be blocked from travelling near the time of the G8.

We will monitor the situation and report any changes to UK legislation: and then we will find a way around it!

In the recent world cup in Germany, UK police were deployed to cities where the england football team were due to play, so that they could help identify trouble-makers before trouble actually began.

Many aspects of UK policing methods that were originally developed to deal with football hooliganism have been later used against anti-capitalist protesters. For example, the Forward Instelligence Team (FIT) were originally created to identify "ringleaders" of football hooligan 'firms', follow them closely in uniform and photograph them continuously in the area of the football match.

The intention was that these targeted people would not be able to escape their police 'minders', nor would they be able to join in the disturbance without risking certain arrest and prosecution.

Such tactics were extended to be used against people the police perceive to be organisers of anti-capitalist / anti-war protests and direct action. Germany has also pioneered similiar methods, often in conjunction with the UK police.

Other similarities include the Section 60 'kettle' tactic of tight encirclement of protesters, and photographing / identifying everyone leaving. Resources: Section 60 Encirclement >>>

Bearing this in mind, people intending to protest at the G8 summit in June 2007 should think carefully about how and when they intend to travel to Germany. As yet it is not known when - or how comprehensively - such measures would start to be implemented.

It is standard procedure to use the threat of repressive police tactics to deter people from even attempting to travel to a major protest. This is their intention. We should recognise the threat but not be overwhelmed with paranoia. That is what they want and that is what we have to overcome.

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The special police unit "Kavala" (in existence for one year, 120 policemen preparing for "security") has published some texts that could give you an overview of their organizing strategy.

Information from Special Structural Organization (BAO) Kavala

[ from official police web site: http://www.polizei.mvnet.de ]

The area of Heiligendamm and its surroundings will be divided into two security zones.

* The inner cordon comprises the grounds of the Grand Hotel Kempinski and is within the jurisdiction of the Federal Office of Criminal Investigation. Residents of Heiligendamm will not be allowed to enter this zone. The implementation of this zone will be short before the start of the Summit.

* The outer cordon will be a security fence, erected and maintained by the police. The fence will be situated on state property. Private estates will only be touched as minimal as possible. Within the next weeks police officers will get in touch with the land owners concerned to find solutions for the use of their property.

...

The start of the erection campaign will be on 2 January 2007, finish is planned for 1 May 2007.

The above mentioned zones will be implemented after having finished the construction work. Safety precautions within the cordon will be limited to an indispensable extend. Those who will be authorized to enter the zones will be listed and provided with access passes.

Authorized persons will be: residents of the Ostseebad Heiligendamm,owners and users of the premises within the cordon, businesses, employees, emergency and nursing services , registered visitors and guests as well as other people concerned.

There will be two check points for entering the outer cordon.

* Checkpoint "Rennbahn" is situated in the parking area by the race course. At this checkpoint only pedestrians may pass. Vehicles are to be parked at the site. There will be no public transport within the cordon. Therefore the police will provide shuttle transport.

* Checkpoint "Hinter Bollhagen" is situated by the Road 12 on an area near the waterworks. This checkpoint can be passed with vehicles. During the days of the security operation searches of the vehicles will be necessary. Therefore you should be prepared for longer waiting periods.

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Who will be responsible for the security during the G8 Summit?
There will be three forces to provide security - the Federal Police M-V, supported by police officers from different States of Germany, the Federal Police and the Federal Office of Criminal Investigation. Their jurisdiction is divided into different areas, according to local and factual states of affairs. However, there will be close co- operation.

Will there be special security zones around the venue?
Yes, there will be a fence around Heiligendamm. Its length will come to ca. 12-13 km. Only authorized persons will be allowed to enter this outer cordon. The grounds of the Grand Hotel Kempinski will be the boundaries of the inner cordon. Access to this area will not be possible for residents. Around Heiligendamm there will not be any other places concerned.

Will the Molli-train run between Kühlungsborn and Bad Doberan during the Summit? Will there be a stop in Heiligendamm?
Train service for the public will not be provided during the time of the Summit.

Which restrictions to traffic are planned?
The traffic management scheme has not been finished by now. So, at the moment, we cannot give any statement .

Where will traffic restrictions apply?
There will probably occur restrictions in the towns around Heiligendamm (Kühlungsborn, Bad Doberan). There might be as well restrictions within the Hanseatic City of Rostock and around Laage airport.

Will there be restrictions concerning the air traffic at Laage
airport?
There will be restrictions which cannot be defined at the moment.

Will there be restrictions for maritime traffic on the Baltic Sea?
There will be security zones at sea. Their extend and range has not been decided yet.

Where will occur restrictions according to protests?
The Hanseatic City of Rostock has already received applications for demonstrations. It has not been decided yet which of them will take place and which locations will be concerned.

Who will be liable for possible damage to private and municipal property owing to the G8 Summit, e.g. caused by protesters?
Basically the causation principle applies. The responsible party has to pay for the damage, which includes bodily harm as well as damage to property. Claims according to civil law have to be sued. Police and justice are preparing for prompt legal proceedings against potential troublemakers and offenders.

Will there be special protection for certain shops against the background of the expected protests?
It's the task of the police to take protective measures for public safety and order. In case of any disturbance or breaches of the law, the police will take effective and appropriate action.

Will commuters be allowed to go about their daily business and enter and leave Bad Doberan without problems?
Commuters will have access to the town of Bad Doberan. However, restrictions and checkpoints are to be expected.

Will there be restrictions to tourism in the nearby villages around Heiligendamm?
Around Heiligendamm restrictions due to checkpoints, road closures and transportation of police units have to be expected.

In case of restrictions, who will be liable for compensation of losses?
According to German law restrictions have to be accepted in principle. The protection of public safety and order regarding a safe and secure summit are the main priority. Claims for compensation are only justified in special cases. Such cases would involve sovereign encroachment on somebody´s live, health or personal freedom.

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Who is an entitled person and how are these seized?
Entitled are inhabitants of the Baltic Sea bath Heiligendamm as well as owners and users of possessing properties within the outside safety shut-off position possess. Further manufacturing, employees, workers, emergency and hospital services, courier services and suppliers are coverered.

Holidays guests and announced visitors of the inhabitants are also entitled persons. The determination and collection of the circle of acquaintances mentioned will be done by the police. You as an entitled person can support the police by being in connection with the police over the citizen telephone under 0180-5010766 (0.12 euro/min) or by E- Mail under buegerinfo@kavala.mv-regierung.de

Separate documents of identification for the entitled and their vehicles are provided. Within the outside security zone a controlled person and vehicle traffic issue will take place.

When should controls be expected?
The building of the fence is to take place in the time from January to May 2007. First control measures should be expected aftercompletion, which will be intensified in the course of the time. Access controls into the range of the outside security zone begin after current planning conditions at the latest at the weekend before the summit.

Do motor vehicles have to be removed for the time of the summit in Heiligendamm from public places, roads and ways?
There will be ranges, in which for the time of the summit no motor vehicles are allowed. These ranges are however not yet accurately specified.

Can I drive with my private passenger car?
If you belong to the right circle of entitled persons. They must be open for controls and searches. Due to this issue the police recommends you to use the large parking lot at the racecourse. A shuttle oscillates - to traffic up to the locality Heiligendamm.

Where are entrance possibilities and boards of control situated?
First board of control (course) is the parking lot range of the area of the gallopprace course. This range is passable by foot or with the bicycle, motor vehicles can locally be parked. A shuttle for you oscillates between the locality and the board of control. Within the outside security zone there will be no public suburban traffic.

Second board of control is situated by the locality Hinter Bollhagen at the Landesstrasse 12. The board of control is passable with vehicles. However longer control times should be expected. Reasons for this are necessary searches of vehicles and persons.

What is when short term changes concerning the private occupations of the state guests occur? (riding a bicycle or jogging)
Then temporal restrictions can result in a short term blockage . We would inform the citizens about it.in case of knowing it in advance ..Be prepared to accept the fact that while driving "bumper to bumper" property access could be closed for a short time and shuttle traffic does not take place in this time.

Do bicycles,baby carriages or other mobile articles have to be removed from public places and ways?
There will be ranges where these should be removed. These ranges have not been designated.

Will the Molli operate between Kühlungsborn and Bad Doberan with stop in Heiligendamm during the summit?
The Molli is not at the disposal to course for the public during the summit.

Which traffic restrictions will be applied?
There is still no appropriate traffic concept , no statements can be made.

Where will traffic restrictions apply?
There will probably occur restrictions in the towns around Heiligendamm (Kühlungsborn, Bad Doberan). There might be as well restrictions within the Hanseatic City of Rostock and around Laage airport.

Can Hoteliers, pension owners, owners of vacation homes provide reservations, which refer to the period of the summit and that are now inquired and booked?
Yes, but it must be focused on the fact that persons, who make reservations for the meeting period must expect strong restrictions. Nevertheless promptly firm reservations can be made.

How is the situation with the basket chairs? How does it stand with a bath prohibition?
Bath prohibition will be within the range of Heiligendamm. Exact times are still open, in the time of the G8 of summit setting up of basket chairs will be not possible.

Are there impairments for my business (trade) concern?
We want to inform the citizens not at short notice but on a long-term basis. We want to remain constant in contact and solve problems together. It is not yet regulated which impairments should be expected.

I am a hunter. May I go hunting in the forests around Heiligendamm?
Within the outside security zone a chase will not be possible. In which distance the chase will be possible outside of this zone, is not yet clarified.

Are there closing hours during the time of the summit?
Closing hours are not planned.

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Contract to build the technical barrier awarded

In Schwerin yesterday evening the State Parliament approved the supplementary budget amounting to 12.5 million Euros for the G8 Summit 2007 in Heiligendamm. The construction of a technical barrier to protect the world economic summit taking place in June next year will be pre-financed by means of this sum.

The company of building and real estate MV (BBL) authorized by the police force could now award the contract to erect the complete technical barrier. MZS Metall-, Zaun-, Stahlbau GmbH & Co. KG from Bargeshagen (county Bad Doberan) got the contract to build the technical barrier measuring about 12,5 km in length.

The technical barrier - a 2,50m high steel-lattice fence - will be equipped with an additional protection preventing people from climbing over or crawling under it. At the side the steel-lattice fence will be fixed to above-ground overlying concrete elements.

According to the present planning stage the technical barrier will run as follows:

Jemnitzschleuse - along the Mühlenfließ - Großer Wohld - gallop racecourse - Bollhäger Forst - Hinter Bollhagen - Kleiner Wohld - Kinderstrand

The police force will set up two checkpoints - the first one at the gallop racecourse and the second one at the waterworks in Hinter Bollhagen.

Mostly the fence will run on national property. If this is not possible, private properties have to be included, too. Police officers and representatives of the company BBL have already visited the owners involved to get into conversation with them. Binding license agreements will be signed soon.

The head of the operations, LPD Knut Abramowski, is confident that the construction of the fence will be finished by May 2007. "The technical barrier is a significant aspect in the safety concept of the police and meets the international safety requirements."

Subsequent to the G8 Summit the technical barrier will be completely removed.

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The Special Structural Organization (BAO) Kavala has moved into the new premises

On Monday 6th November 2006 the Special Structural Organization (BAO) of the police directorate Rostock moved into its new premises situated in the real estate Waldeck (near the Hanseatic City of Rostock) in order to plan, prepare and organize the G8 Summit 2007 in Heiligendamm.

Already on 1st September 2005 the Ministry of Interior M-V instructed the police directorate Rostock to assume the entire operational control concerning the G8 Summit 2007 in Heiligendamm. Consequently, Leitender Polizeidirektor Knut Abramowski set up a Special Structural Organization (BAO) in the police directorate Rostock, named it "Kavala" standing for "White city on the sea" and started working together with four staff members.

First of all, it is the duty of the police force to protect the G8 Summit in Heiligendamm and its members as well as to guarantee peaceful demonstrations and assemblies. However, if there are violent riots they take rigorous action. The police force, nevertheless, make every endeavour to limit detractions from public life being in store for the inhabitants of Heiligendamm and the adjoining communities to an indispensable extent.

"Preparing an operation of such dimension requires both precise planning, personnel and organizational decisions which have to be made carefully", said commanding officer Knut Abramowski emphasizing the significance and extent of the police operation.

The staff of BAO Kavala entrusted with the responsibility for the preparation has just moved into the real estate Waldeck which has been used by the riot police M-V since 1991. One of the two blocks was renovated and equipped with new technology and logistics. Now the working conditions for the employees are more pleasant in the offices and conference rooms. The other block will be renovated in the next months, too.

The second standby squad of the riot police M-V moved to Rostock Schmarl. At present 126 police officers of the entire Federal State Police M-V are working with great commitment and motivation in order to make sure things run smoothly during the summit in June 2007 next year.

From December 2006 further territorial and functional operational sectors concentrating on the venues respectively places of special security interest, such as Heiligendamm, the security of air traffic and at sea as well as traffic-related measures and assemblies will be established.

The field of activities includes drawing up concepts and orders, requesting tactical personnel from the entire federal territory, the equipping with technical command and operational resources, providing technology as well as motor vehicles, informing the public and taking care of the media.

Since April 2006 the operational sector press work and public relations accompanying the operation has been working on informing the population as early and extensive as possible. Commanding officer Knut Abramowski emphasizes, "that the police want to deal fairly and qualified with the population who should be appreciate for the restrictions. In this connection it is very important to keep up contacts with the residents and to deal with the problems of each individual citizen. We want to be accessible that's why we again put our faith in the citizen hotline, the "Internet guard" and our homepage - as handled during the visit of the US President G.W. Bush in Stralsund."

The press office in Waldeck can be reached in the following way:

media hotline: 0180 - 50 10 767
citizen hotline: 0180 - 50 10 766
fax line: 038208 - 888 13 99
email: presse@kavala.mv-regierung.de

[ from official police web site: http://www.polizei.mvnet.de ]