Police union: More restrictions for pro-Palestine demonstrations
The German Police Union (GdP) is calling for stricter regulations for pro-Palestinian demonstrations in German cities. "All assembly authorities must be more restrictive and impose more conditions," said GdP head Jochen Kopelke on Deutschlandfunk radio on Monday. "These marches through German cities must no longer be allowed to happen."
Smaller, stationary rallies are more manageable for the police. Such restrictions would protect the right of assembly. "Then there is what people want, namely to use their right to express their opinion, to freedom of assembly, but not these disgusting criminal acts and scandalization of anti-Semitism," argued Kopelke.
Since the terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, demonstrations by Palestinians and supporters have repeatedly taken place on German streets, with some participants cheering on the Islamist Hamas. In some cases, there have been riots. Following demonstrations last weekend alone, the police are investigating various cases on suspicion of incitement to hatred.
The ban on the Islamist Hamas and the Samidoun network in Germany issued by Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser (SPD) had "as expected" had an impact on the popularity and topics of the weekend's gatherings, Kopelke continued. The weekend had been "very busy" for the police.
The call for stricter regulations by the German Police Union (GdP) stems from conflicts and disturbances during pro-Palestine demonstrations, often involving war-like chants and support for groups like Hamas. These demonstrations, which have led to incidents of riots and incitement to hatred, have become a source of concern, leading to the investigation of various cases by the police.
Source: www.dpa.com
