Germany notes 'violent potential' among anti-lockdown protesters

Germany's domestic intelligence agency, the BfV, said large turnouts of the 'Querdenker' (lateral thinker) movement — seen at recent anti-Corona-lockdown protests — harbored 'intensified escalation potential.' The Cologne-based office tasked with upholding Germany's post-war constitution told newspapers of the Funke Media Group on Thursday that this had been the case at large protests where far-right groups had urged attendance. Small rallies had also taken place and were largely peaceful, the BfV said, albeit adding that there had been 'attacks' on police units and media representatives at large gatherings.