Approximately 1,000 people in Berlin gathered to protest against the restrictions imposed by the government to stem the spread of the virus, in spite of the ban on demonstrations.

The Berlin protest was conducted in front of the Volksbuehne, a theatre in the city’s centre. Many of those attending were prevented from reaching the square in front of the building as it was cordoned off by police who wanted to prevent crowding.

Police repeatedly used megaphones to call on the protesters to leave the area. A few people were arrested. Protesters gradually left the site during the afternoon.

Those demonstrating came from across the political spectrum, with attendees including well-known right-wing populists, members of the far-right Alternative for Germany party, conspiracy theorists and others.

Protesters have gathered in Berlin for the past four Saturdays. This week, 200 police officers were deployed to handle the event.

In Stuttgart, between 350 and 500 people gathered in the city centre to protest against the loss of their fundamental rights at a demonstration, the police and organizers said.

The protest was organized by a group called “Querdenken,” and its head, Michael Ballweg, said the demonstration was addressing basic rights such as the right to associate and the freedom of belief.

This was the third such demonstration in Stuttgart. The protest was initially banned by the city, but this was then overruled by the Federal Constitutional Court.