G7 protesters start setting up camp amid planned demonstrations

Critics of the G7 summit at southern Germany’s Elmau palace have started setting up their protest camp on a meadow by the Loisach river in the Alpine resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Around 750 people were allowed to camp in the area on the days of the summit, or more if necessary, the person who applied to set up the camp, York Runte, said on Friday.

Around 30 activists were busy setting up tents in the morning, with dozens of police officers at the entrances.

The cooperation with the police was working well, Runte said.

It was still unclear whether and how there would be a demonstration near the G7 venue, as the camp was being set up at a considerable distance from Elmau palace.

“Being shuttled there on police buses has nothing whatsoever to do with the right of assembly,’’ Runte said.

He criticised a proposal currently under discussion.

They wanted at least to travel on their own bus.

The police said that the organisers and the authorities were still coordinating.

According to the local district office, about 25 events have been registered in the Garmisch-Partenkirchen area during the summit.

Of these, just under 10 had been approved by Thursday.

The G7 meeting of the world’s leading industrial nations would take place on June 26 to June 28 at the Elmau palace luxury hotel. (dpa/NAN)