Protests in Germany Against Missile Factory and Deportations
Hundreds of people protested in Germany against the establishment of a branch of an American defense industry company and the deportation of asylum seekers.
Translated by Qiyas from الجريدة — Original source
Several hundred people demonstrated in the German city of Leipzig on Saturday to protest the establishment of a branch of the American defense contractor Covenant in the eastern German city.
Police estimated the number of participants at around 400, providing security for the demonstration amid heavy rain. A correspondent for the German News Agency (dpa) reported that the majority of participants were young people. Protesters carried Palestinian flags alongside flags and symbols of left-wing groups.
Covenant officially opened its production facility in Leipzig at the beginning of October this year. The company plans to begin production of the “ATACMS” long-range cruise missile at this facility starting in 2027. The American company noted that Leipzig will become its largest site globally. Production of 1,000 units of this missile system is scheduled for the first year in Leipzig, the largest city in the state of Saxony, with targeted production rising to 5,000 units in 2028.
In contrast, the Saxon state government welcomed the establishment of the company’s branch in Saxony. State Premier Michael Kretschmer stated during the opening of the production facility that freedom and prosperity cannot be guaranteed without security. The Christian Democratic politician, affiliated with Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s party, added that deterrence remains the best means of ensuring security.
Hundreds demonstrated at several German airports during a nationwide day of protest against deportations and detention pending deportation.
Police estimated participation at around 400 people in Leipzig, 300 at Frankfurt Airport, Germany’s largest airport, and 150 at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) in the capital. Police estimates indicated that around 50 people demonstrated at each of the Cologne/Bonn and Düsseldorf airports. In contrast, the organizing alliance estimated higher participation numbers.
According to data, these demonstrations express protest against the deportation of rejected asylum seekers, their detention pending deportation, and the expansion of infrastructure dedicated to this purpose. Protests were also announced at Munich and Hanover airports. Demonstrators in Leipzig also protested chartered deportation flights to Afghanistan.
A spokesperson for the organizing alliance stated: “We demand an immediate halt to deportations, because those seeking protection have the right to asylum.” She described the German government’s actions as trampling on this right and condemned cooperation with the Taliban in deportation operations as horrifying.
German authorities organized several deportation flights to Afghanistan from Leipzig/Halle Airport this year. Statements from German authorities indicate that most individuals deported on these flights are criminals.
The network “Will Come United – We Will Come Together” stated that the demonstration called for at Frankfurt Airport, in cooperation with local entities, protests the creation of a “dedicated deportation building.”
A spokesperson for the network said that funds spent on deportation operations should instead be invested in measures to integrate refugees into society. She added: “We oppose all forms of infrastructure dedicated to deportation operations and demand freedom of movement for all people.”
