Heightened security planned for Berlin's techno parade

Three weeks after the Islamist attack on the fringes of Berlin's Pride parade, tens of thousands of people are expected on Saturday at the techno parade Rave the Planet, which takes place near the scene of the attack.

Tightened security measures are in place, but heat will be another challenge, with temperatures of up to 37 degrees Celsius possible. Police want to deploy at least one water cannon to provide cooling spray mist, and organizers said free drinking water will be available along the route.

The parade is planned from 1:50 pm (1150 GMT) to 10 pm on the main boulevard which runs through the Tiergarten park, between the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column. That is close to the site of the July 25 attack, when an Islamist assailant killed a woman and injured at least 31 people, some seriously.

Around 1,500 police officers will accompany the techno spectacle, a police spokeswoman said. Berlin police will be supported by colleagues from the states of Brandenburg and Saxony-Anhalt. A police helicopter and drones are to be used. An "extensive closure concept" is in place, with cordoned off areas and heavy mobile bollards.

Berlin police chief Barbara Slowik Meisel told RBB Inforadio that she is confident her force can provide "a very high level of protection." 

But she noted authorities can't secure every path through the park. "We also cannot staff every barrier with people or personnel. There is no absolute protection" Slowik Meisel said.

Organizers have registered 300,000 participants. Last year, organizers said around 200,000 people took part, while Berlin police assumed well over 100,000.

The "Fuckparade" is being held as a counter-event to Rave the Planet. The demonstration is aimed "against commercialization and the displacement of subcultures." Police said 1,200 participants were registered.