Extensive traffic restrictions possible on 8.1.2024
Due to the nationwide protest action by farmers, there are currently an increasing number of notices and messages being shared on social media, including Facebook groups, calling for traffic routes from the surrounding areas to the city, but also in the city itself, to be "brought to a standstill". It is reported that this will happen in the early hours of the morning from 6 am. As a result, there could also be restrictions on school transport and public transport.
The assembly authority of the city of Jena has still not received any concrete demonstration registrations. Furthermore, it is not possible to identify the exact source of the reports in the social media, which is why it is not possible to accurately assess the extent to which there may be possible restrictions based on the current facts.
Nevertheless, the city of Jena is asking citizens and commuters from the surrounding area to prepare for possible restrictions as best they can. With regard to the possible protest rallies, the Thuringian Ministry of Education has pointed out in an announcement(link is external) that school attendance is generally compulsory. "If individual pupils do not attend lessons due to traffic obstructions caused by the situation, this is not to be classified as an unexcused absence." Anyone who has the opportunity to work from home should do so on Monday.
The city of Jena is also appealing to potential demonstrators to keep the escape routes to and from the university hospital clear and to ensure that the emergency services and fire department can get through the city at all costs and thus not to endanger the safety of people. Deliberate non-compliance can lead to fines and prosecution. The police control center is on increased standby to monitor events and intervene if necessary. Furthermore, the city administration and the assembly authority are in close contact with the state police inspectorate.
On Friday, the city informed the Saale-Holzland district public order office about a specifically registered rally by farmers. The exact time was not announced by the organizers. The possible route leads from Orlamünde to Jena, via Kahla, Schöps, Jägersdorf and Ölknitz.
Dealing with unannounced assemblies
The city of Jena can only authorize assemblies that have been duly registered in advance. In the case of spontaneous rallies whose location and time are not known, the rally management will contact the organizer of the rally on site as soon as it is known and determine a corresponding order.