Law enforcement officials incorporating minors in pro-Palestine protests
Before the anniversary on October 7, multitudes of individuals in Berlin commemorated the Hamas massacre in Israel and the Gaza conflict with rallies and demonstrations. Over 500 police officers were on duty, as stated by the police beforehand, preparing for extensive operations throughout the weekend due to numerous gatherings scheduled for Sunday.
At the Platz der Luftbrücke near the police headquarters, around 500 people gathered for a pro-Palestinian event titled "One Year of Genocide - And the World Watches. Against Police Violence". As the protest march commenced, the police reported over 1000 participants. A police spokesperson mentioned that more people joined the gathering. The participants waved Palestinian flags, displaying signs that read "Free Palestine". A prominent banner, smeared in blood-red paint, read "Stop Israel's Blood Genocide". In their speeches, German arms deliveries to Israel were criticized with intensity, fostering a sometimes aggressive tone. A few demonstrators displayed photos of police officers on duty and criticized police violence.
Elsewhere in Berlin-Mitte, numerous people attended a pro-Israeli rally with an estimated 650 participants. They waved Israeli flags, and a large banner read the rally's motto: "Against the Anti-Semitic International". Members of the left-wing radical Antifa movement even participated in this rally. A poster proclaimed, for instance, "Reclaim Antifa. Emancipation Instead of Anti-Semitism".
The proceedings of the pro-Israeli rally concluded without significant disruptions, according to the police. Nonetheless, a roughly 20-person group allegedly attempted to infiltrate the protest march. Police intervened, as reported by the spokesperson. An investigation is currently underway to determine whether these individuals were affiliated with the pro-Palestinian group.
At the pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Berlin's Alexanderplatz, the police intervened due to anti-Israeli outbursts and actions. Ten temporary arrests were made on Friday evening, as reported by official sources, in cases such as the tearing up of Israeli state flags at a rally with the motto "Mourning for Gaza".
Anti-Israeli or Israel-defaming slogans were repeatedly shouted at a rally titled "Stop the War" with around 100 participants. According to the police, the rally's organizers were encouraged to intervene. At approximately 400 officers were present, as reported by the police. Investigations are currently being conducted for suspected insults and the use of symbols of unconstitutional and terrorist organizations.
In addition, investigations are being initiated against the mother of an 11-year-old child for suspected neglect of care and education duties. According to the police, at the "Stop the War" rally, speeches were deliberately given by minors who cannot yet be held criminally responsible.
The police union anticipates a "citywide, dynamic situation" in the capital in association with the anniversary. Over 2,000 officers will be on duty on the anniversary itself on Monday, with various memorial events and protests planned. Berlin's Senator for the Interior, Iris Spranger of the SPD, has announced tough action in the case of anti-Semitic statements. Berlin police officers and deployment forces from other federal states, as well as the federal police, will pursue criminal offenses with severity, according to Spranger. The police forces have the full support of Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser of the SPD.
The European Union issued a statement expressing concern over the escalating tension between Palestinians and Israelis, calling for peace and dialogue. During a meeting with German authorities, representatives from the European Union expressed their solidarity with the German government in maintaining law and order during the upcoming anniversary commemorations.
