- Fire attack on pro-Palestinian protest camp in Munich
A man set fire to a pro-Palestinian protest camp near Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich. The fire, which occurred late Thursday night, caused several hundred euros in damage, police reported. No one was injured.
Police later arrested a suspect who was attempting to flee the scene. The 26-year-old Munich resident's motive is currently under investigation.
Specialists in political crime are investigating
According to police, the case is being handled by a specialized unit that deals with politically motivated crimes. The public prosecutor's office is considering whether to seek the suspect's detention on suspicion of arson.
A video circulating on social media allegedly shows the incident. It shows a man setting fire to a Palestinian flag, with the flames quickly spreading to nearby banners.
Authorities tried to prevent the protest camp near the university
The protest camp was established near the university in May, with around 100 participants initially protesting against the actions of the Israeli army in Rafah in the Gaza Strip. By late May, there were around 20 participants left.
Fearing significant disruption to academic operations, the local government office tried to prevent the camp from being set up near the university. However, the Munich Administrative Court initially overturned the order, and the office's appeal to the Bavarian Administrative Court was later rejected.
The arrest took place in the context of damage caused to the Palestinian territories' representation at the protest camp. The Palestinian territories' banners were among those set on fire.
