Anniversary October 7th: Anti-Israel calls and burned flags at demonstrations

The police intervened because of anti-Israel calls and actions during pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Berlin’s Alexanderplatz. According to the police, there were ten temporary arrests on Friday evening. In one case, this involved a man who tore up paper flags of the State of Israel at a “Vigil for Gaza” rally.

According to the police, at a meeting entitled “Stop the War” with around 100 participants, anti-Israel slogans or slogans that defamed Israel were repeatedly shouted. The meeting leadership was asked to have a moderating influence on the people.

Speeches by underage children

According to the police, around 60 people took part in the vigil. According to their own information, the police had around 400 officers on site. Among other things, the investigation is being carried out on suspicion of insults and the suspicion of using the symbols of unconstitutional and terrorist organizations, it said.

The mother (40) of an eleven-year-old child is also being investigated on suspicion of violating her duty of care and upbringing. The background is that, according to the police, speeches at the “Stop the War” rally were specifically made by underage children who cannot yet be prosecuted.

Numerous demonstrations at the weekend

At the weekend, people in Berlin want to commemorate the Hamas massacre in Israel a year ago and the Gaza war with rallies and demonstrations. The police are preparing for a major operation. According to authorities, around 2,000 police officers will be on duty in Berlin alone for the anniversary itself, on October 7th. Berlin’s Interior Senator Iris Spranger (SPD) has announced a tough crackdown in the event of anti-Semitic statements.