The Berlin police justify the bans with the danger of anti-Semitic slogans and expressions of solidarity for Hamas terror at the demos. Criticism comes from the Palestinian community.
The Berlin police say they have banned 17 pro-Palestinian rallies in the capital since the terrorist attack by the Islamist Hamas in Israel. Since October 7th, 35 meetings had been reported or carried out spontaneously up to Tuesday (October 24th). “Of these, 17 were banned,” said a police spokeswoman when asked.
According to her information, objections were lodged against the decision in two cases. In both cases, the Berlin administrative court confirmed the ban in an expedited procedure.
The police emphasized that protecting freedom of expression and freedom of assembly was the “top priority.” The authority examines “very meticulously in each individual case whether and under what conditions meetings can be held in order to prevent threats to public safety.” The principle of proportionality applies.
Criticism from the Palestinian community
At the same time, the police pointed out that after the Hamas massacre with more than 1,400 deaths, numerous people gathered on the streets in Berlin and celebrated the attacks. “Openly violent, inciting, anti-Israel and anti-Semitic slogans” were shouted, property was damaged and police and rescue workers were attacked.
Against this background, the police have banned several demonstrations and alternative events in the past two weeks. The police justified this with the risk of anti-Semitic statements and approval of the violence of Hamas terrorists.
The police strategy has met with criticism, particularly in the Palestinian community. Despite current bans, numerous people have repeatedly gathered for rallies over the past two weeks. There were sometimes riots and outbreaks of violence.
Source: Stern
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