Berlin in turmoil: Police stops anti-Israeli demo with arrests!

Berlin in turmoil: Police stops anti-Israeli demo with arrests!

Kantstraße, 10625 Berlin, Deutschland - in Berlin last Saturday an anti-Israeli demonstration occurred under the motto "Solidarity with Palestine. Stop the Gaza Genocide. No arms deliveries to Israel". Although the event was registered with 500 participants, only 300 people were found on Wilmersdorfer Straße corner Kantstrasse in Berlin-Charlottenburg. The Berlin police were on site with a contingent of 600 civil servants to ensure security sites and prevent any acts of violence.

The police had to stop the elevator early at around 3 p.m. due to observed crimes and temporarily arrested at least ten people. This concluded arrangements for the use of anti -constitutional symbols. As the police spokeswoman Anja Dierschke reported, the arrests could increase after the evaluation of all operating sections. The demonstration train could be stopped on Kantstraße/corner of Wielandstrasse; However, a stationary rally was still allowed until 5:30 p.m.

political tensions and protective measures

A explosive element of the demonstration was the appearance of FDP politician Karoline Preisler, who held up a sign with the inscription "Until the Last Hostage" to promote the release of Israeli hostages. The priceer was clearly attacked under the protection of several police officers; There were experiments from demonstrators to break through the protective ring, which failed. Ultimately, she was able to leave the location of the event unharmed.

The protests were in the context of the continuing Gaza War, which was triggered by the attack by Hamas and other Islamist groups on Israel on October 7, 2023. Around 1,200 people were killed in this attack, and over 250 were delayed to Gaza as hostages. The Hamas controlled health authorities are now reporting of over 56,000 dead Palestinians, the number of which is not distinguished between civilians and fighters. Further conversations about a ceasefire are currently underway.

freedom of demonstration in Germany

The events also throw a light on the legal framework of freedom of assembly in Germany, which is protected by Article 8 of the Basic Law. This guarantees the right to meetings, but it is also subject to restrictions if public security is endangered. For example, meetings can be prohibited or dissolved if they are perceived as violent. Historically, the discussion about the limits and possibilities of freedom of assembly is a central component of the political argument in the Federal Republic.

In the evening of the same day there was another concerted campaign in the Tiergarten district, where up to 1,500 people gathered to protest against Israel's approach in the Gaza War. This campaign was observed by the police and included speeches that may have to be better assessed by the authorities.

Overall, there are a variety of pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Berlin and beyond, each with their own dynamics and challenges. The term "genocide", which often attaches to the discussions, is rejected by the Israeli government, which further heats up the tensions in the region.

The current developments show that the topic and the emotions around the Gaza conflict are also being discussed lively in Germany, and the authorities are always required to maintain the balance between freedom of expression and public security.