Police Impose "State of Emergency" in City Core

Despite the fact that Berlin was quiet this evening, with few people out on the streets, the Police have announced that they have imposed a "state of emergency" as of 17:30 local time this Saturday evening. "Due to rumors of May 1st riots in Berlin there is now a State of Emergency in the Berlin Mitte neighborhood. Anyone in the city wearing red flags, gathering in groups of more than 3 people, not stopping at manned checkpoints, harassing the police or not directly following their orders risks being arrested." Police had begun erecting barricades and checkpoints on the streets feeding the Unter den Linden about an hour before the announcement, and no mention was made as to how long the declaration would remain in effect.

For most of the day, people gathered in public houses and cafes to discuss how best to prepare for an uncertain tomorrow. At worst, confrontations between the KPD, NSDAP and Police could fill the streets with violence and cause damage, injury and even death to an unknown degree. At best, rumors of a negotiated agreement between the KPD and Police to allow indoor gatherings and demonstrations to proceed unhindered could prove true and the day could pass in relative peace. As residents hoped for the best, they seemed to be preparing for the worst.

Many made plans to remain home or in their places of business through the day tomorrow, or to watch events unfold from rooftop vantage points. Some seemed to be looking forward to Sunday as if it were a spectacle promised and staged for their own entertainment. But most seemed resigned to some minor inconvenience and intended to go about their day and their business more-or-less as normal. With Voltaire Vanguard in prison, there seems to be some confusion within the KPD and no one was available to comment on the situation as of the time of this edition. A Police spokesman advised people to simply "stay indoors", and this is probably good advice, at least until it becomes clear how the situation will unfold.

Yesterday following a philosophical and political argument between KPD members and Father Cuthbert Hellendale, his residence next to the Magelenenkirche was struck by bricks and left with KPD posters on the walls. This is the only violence reported thus far. When asked for comment, Father Hellendale said, "Do not be cowed by the Communists. I have reason to believe that one or two communists will try to attack the church." He added that Sunday services would be held at 13:00 as usual regardless of events..