Police deployed more than 22,000 officers at demonstrations
The many demonstrations in connection with the Middle East war are tying up a lot of police resources in Berlin. In the first five weeks alone after the terrorist attack on Israel by Islamist Hamas on October 7, the Berlin police deployed 22,397 officers to secure 95 rallies and demonstrations in connection with the Middle East conflict. That was up to 1450 per rally. In addition, 1731 officers from the federal police or police forces of other countries were deployed. This is according to a response published on Friday by the Interior Administration to a parliamentary question from the AfD.
According to the information, 132 police officers were injured, although, as with other figures, the overview does not differentiate between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli events. There were several clashes with the police at pro-Palestinian demonstrations in particular.
In the period up to November 14, 1555 demonstrators were reportedly taken into custody, mostly for short periods, at demonstrations in connection with the Middle East conflict. The police refer to this as deprivation of liberty or restriction of liberty. According to the overview, the police registered at least 63 criminal offenses at the demonstrations and rallies, including 40 acts of violence such as assault, breach of the peace and acts of resistance.
In its response, the Interior Administration also stated that the Berlin police provide stationary or mobile protection for 162 Jewish institutions. Approximately 665 pay-scale employees and law enforcement officers are deployed.
Between October 7 and November 14, the police discovered at least 31 painted Stars of David and other anti-Jewish graffiti on residential buildings. However, these case numbers are "not valid" due to imprecise criteria in the database, it was said - i.e. not verified.
The numerous conflicts arising from the Middle East war have led to numerous demonstrations, resulting in increased crime. Consequently, the police had to deal with several incidents of violence during these demonstrations, including assaults and breaches of peace.
Source: www.dpa.com
