Pyrotechnics and unauthorized celebrations: chaos in Munich's old town!

Pyrotechnics and unauthorized celebrations: chaos in Munich's old town!

On Saturday, September 6, 2025, there were several incidents in Munich that were characterized by unregistered gatherings and unauthorized events. One gathering in the old town in particular attracted the attention of the police. A group of around 10 people met on Briennerstrasse, near Wittelsbacher Platz. They set pyrotechnic objects on fire, presented a large banner for the International Motor Show (IAA) and daubed the road surface with graffiti. The police were only able to find a 25-year-old person from Munich, who was released after further police measures. However, search efforts to identify other people involved were unsuccessful. The people they know are now being investigated for violations of the Assembly and Explosives Act as well as for damage to property, as polizei.bayern.de reports.

Similar problems with unauthorized events were also evident in other places in the city. In Untergiesing, an unauthorized event took place in the landscape protection area at around 11:30 p.m. An estimated 50 to 70 revelers were present. The police made contact with the participants and ended the celebrations. This was an event led by a 47-year-old from Munich. Due to the unauthorized event and the disturbance of the peace, administrative offenses were reported.

Unauthorized rave party

On the morning of the same day, at around 8:30 a.m., the police uncovered another unauthorized event in a forest near the Munich-Feldmoching motorway triangle. Around 35 people were present at the rave party. The 57-year-old organizer from the Munich district was reported and those present had to leave the area.

Traffic accident on Munich's streets

But the Munich law enforcement officers weren't just busy with meetings that day. At 6:00 p.m. a traffic accident occurred between a car and a motorcycle in Allach-Untermenzing. A 58-year-old motorcyclist who was waiting at a red light was hit by a 51-year-old car driver who ignored the red light. The motorcyclist suffered minor injuries and had to be taken to hospital. The material damage amounts to several thousand euros. The car driver is now facing investigations into negligent bodily harm and other traffic violations, which are being conducted by the Munich traffic police.

Legal framework for meetings

A central aspect of these incidents is the right to assembly, which is closely linked to freedom of expression. According to anwalt-suchservice.de, all Germans have the right to assemble peacefully and without weapons in accordance with Article 8 of the Basic Law, without prior authorization being required. However, there are legal requirements that must be observed. Unannounced gatherings are not generally illegal, but can be punished with large fines or even imprisonment.

The so-called Assembly Act regulates the holding of public meetings, with registration required 48 hours in advance. Administrative offenses can lead to the dispersal of gatherings, which shows how important it is to adhere to the rules to ensure public safety and order. As rechtsforschung-verstanden.de notes, freedom of assembly is further consolidated through international agreements, making it an indispensable part of the basic democratic order.