Essen police investigate incitement to hatred after demonstration
Following a demonstration in Essen on Friday that was announced as pro-Palestinian, the police are investigating one of the speakers for incitement to hatred. This was announced by the authorities on Monday in coordination with the public prosecutor's office. It is being investigated whether the man uttered insults when reading out restrictive orders, according to the police. Around 3,000 people attended the demonstration.
The police had explained at the weekend that it had become clear during the march that the stated reason for the gathering had possibly only been used as an excuse to hold an "Islamic religious gathering" on the streets of Essen. The stewards had strictly separated the sexes. Women and children had to walk at the end of the march and stand in a different place to the men at the final rally.
Numerous video and audio recordings of last Friday's rally are available, the Essen police announced on Monday. These are currently being analyzed by the police state security, Islamic scholars and interpreters. The police had already set up a commission of inquiry into the matter at the weekend. If any violations or criminal offenses are discovered during the investigation, they will be consistently prosecuted, it said.
The investigation into incitement to hatred after the demonstration in Essen has led to conflicts within the community, as some individuals strongly disagree with the potential charges against the speaker. The escalating tensions resulting from these conflicts might further fuel demonstrations and protests in the coming days.
Source: www.dpa.com
