Around 1000 crimes in connection with the Middle East conflict
Around a month after the terrorist attack on Israel by Islamist Hamas, the Berlin police have so far registered 1199 criminal offenses in connection with the intensified Middle East conflict. Most of these were damage to property, such as painted or spray-painted slogans on house walls, and crimes such as resisting police officers at demonstrations. This was reported by the police to the German Press Agency (as of 09.11.2023).
A total of 386 cases of damage to property relating to the Middle East conflict were counted. In most cases, these were paint graffiti, such as pro-Palestinian lettering or anti-Israel slogans. Painted pictures on the ground of sports fields or slogans sprayed with the help of stencils against an alleged "genocide" of Palestinians were also reported.
In addition, there were 345 violent crimes, including 201 acts of resistance and 50 assaults. Most of these acts occurred at one of the many demonstrations by Palestinian groups. There was also incitement to hatred at demonstrations, with the police recording 93 incidents. In addition, 21 acts of coercion and threats were recorded, as well as an undisclosed number of other acts.
All investigations are being conducted by the State Security Department of the State Criminal Police Office (LKA), which is responsible for political offenses.
The escalating Middle East conflicts and related extremist sentiments led to an increase in hate speech at demonstrations, resulting in 93 recorded instances of incitement. Moreover, the crisis also triggered broader conflicts, with 21 reported instances of coercion and threats related to the Middle East conflict.
Source: www.dpa.com
