"If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck." Just because you label a protest march as "spontaneously goin

"If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck." Just because you label a protest march as "spontaneously going for a walk", it is still a protest march, especially if you organise it (here: via Telegram groups). The German constitution (art. 8) generally grants the right to assemble peacefully and without weapons without requiring an explicit permit. However, if you plan to do it outdoors in public space, you need to declare it to the local authorities (with the intent to ensure safety for both the protesters and the general public). Spontaneous gatherings are exempt from this, BUT, if you organise a "spontaneous walk" days ahead via Telegram, arguably it is not very spontaneous anymore. A declared demonstration can be approved with additional requirements (e.g. limiting movement to predefined areas) or even prohibited, provided there are grounds that it cannot be conducted safely. From what I can see, the reason that many anti-covid protests fall victim to this, is that the audience has demonstrated a tendency to break regulations that are in place to ensure public health and safety (e.g. mask mandate and distancing). If you don't like the regulations, you can protest against them. If you break the regulations however, you cannot.