Security tight for NATO with protests planned this weekend in Dayton

Security tight for NATO with protests planned this weekend in Dayton

Security is tight in Dayton as the NATO Parliamentary Assembly is underway, with hundreds of law enforcement officers scattered throughout Downtown Dayton. The city has implemented extensive security measures, including blocked roads and high gates, to ensure the safety of the event. The presence of representatives from over 30 countries has necessitated heightened security protocols, with each delegation traveling with their own security teams and receiving additional protection upon arrival in Dayton [1].

The cost of these security measures is substantial. While the federal government contributed $2 million, the Ohio Controlling Board has allocated over $4 million for the event. The high level of security is evident, with dozens of officers visible inside the NATO village and hundreds spread out over a six-block radius [1].

Despite the stringent security measures, protests are planned for this weekend near the NATO village. The Dayton Police have designated a specific area for protesters, located across the street from the Schuster Center outside the security fences. The protests are expected to be peaceful, as past demonstrations in the area have been reported as such [1].

The heightened security measures come amidst a backdrop of global tensions. In the Baltic Sea, a sanctioned vessel from Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" carried out suspicious maneuvers near an undersea power cable connecting Poland and Sweden. This incident underscores the ongoing geopolitical tensions and the need for robust security measures [2].

The security situation in Dayton highlights the complex balance between ensuring the safety of high-profile events and respecting the rights of protesters. As the NATO Parliamentary Assembly continues, the city remains vigilant, preparing for both the event and any potential demonstrations.

References:
[1] https://www.whio.com/news/local/security-tight-nato-with-protests-planned-this-weekend-dayton/TWVUYSRTDZBBXIZJ5I47JONNPE/
[2] https://theins.ru/en/news/281469