Court fines pro-Palestinian parole
A certain slogan is often heard at pro-Palestinian demonstrations. A Berlin court has convicted a 22-year-old for endorsing criminal acts by using it. Before the Hamas terrorist attack in Israel, the slogan was interpreted differently.
The controversial slogan "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" led to a conviction in Berlin. The Berlin District Court of Tiergarten fined a 22-year-old €600 for endorsing criminal acts, after she chanted the slogan at a pro-Palestinian demonstration a few days after the Islamic Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The presiding judge explained that the slogan should be seen in context.
Only four days earlier, there had been an attack on Israeli territory. In this context, the slogan could only be understood as denying Israel's right to exist and supporting the attack. "It was meant to approve of the massacre," the judge said. In this context, the slogan was "inciting" and capable of disturbing public peace.
The 22-year-old was reportedly among a group of about 60 people chanting the slogan at a previously banned rally in Berlin-Neukölln on October 11, 2023. Initially, a penalty order was issued against her, but she appealed, leading to a trial.
Turmoil in the courtroom after the verdict
Shortly after the verdict, court officials had to clear the room due to loud protests from spectators. The defendant argued that it was a legitimate action, claiming to be a woman fighting against racism and antisemitism and calling for "an end to violence." Her lawyers pleaded for acquittal, arguing that the slogan is "ambiguous" and has no Hamas reference. The prosecutor demanded a fine of 60 daily rates. The verdict is not yet final.
Since the terrorist attack, there have been numerous demonstrations in Berlin related to the Gaza conflict. The Berlin public prosecutor's office and police now interpret the slogan "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" differently than before the Islamic Hamas' terrorist attack. The phrase means that there should be a free Palestine on the territory from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea - where Israel is currently located.
The slogan "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" is now seen as inciting war with Israel by the Berlin public prosecutor's office and police. During the trial, the defendant's lawyers argued that the slogan is ambiguous and has no explicit Hamas reference.
