The officers in the field during last Saturday’s protests in Luxembourg City “did the right thing”, according to Pascal Ricquier, the president of the National Syndicate of the Luxembourg Grand Ducal Police (SNPGL). However, the police were not prepared because the responsible minister “did not do his homework”, Ricquier claimed.
While new protests have been announced for the upcoming weekend, they are only allowed to take place between Glacis and Place de l’europe. According to the SNPGL, this measure is “good and right”.
Ricquier stated that the Directorate of Operations assured him that the police are better prepared this time around. For instance, a special unit will be deployed, which will intervene when people or objects are harmed or damaged.
The SNPGL President explained that both normal police officers and these ‘crowd control’ units will be present. If violence breaks out, the latter will intervene and, if necessary, use force to maintain order. For this reason, Ricquier calls on “the good citizens” to distance themselves from rioters, should they participate in the upcoming protests.
Read also: Bettel vows to crack down on violent protests
Ricquier pointed out that assembling such a police presence takes days, which is why the SNPGL President wonders how many days the police had to prepare prior to last week’s protests.
Another difference this time around is that the mayor of Luxembourg City, Lydie Polfer, has officially requested the support of the police to ensure safety during the protests. Earlier this week, Polfer expressed her alarm at the violence and called on ‘sensible people’ not to participate in protests against Covid-19 measures.
Numerous police officers will be present in the capital to make sure that protestors do not leave the dedicated areas.
In addition, Luxembourg’s police force will be supported by officers from abroad.
Despite all of the concerns, Ricquier expects the situation to remain calm in the capital over the weekend, pointing out that there have been peaceful protests in the past.
Video report in Luxembourgish:
