Injured and Criminal Reports - Pro-Palestine-Demonstration in Berlin escalates
At a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Berlin, according to police reports, 17 police officers and seven participants were injured. Over 30 criminal complaints were filed, as the police announced on Sunday. The event leader reportedly declared the event over on Saturday evening due to various incidents; however, around 250 people refused to leave and the police had to clear the area.
The demonstration under the slogan "Stop the Gaza Genocide" reportedly began in the afternoon in the Steglitz district. Approximately 600 people participated, it was stated, and they headed towards Schöneberg. Two women reportedly accompanied the procession, one of them carrying an Israeli flag. Both women had to be protected by the police numerous times.
During a stop in the demonstration, a medical emergency occurred: a participant had fainted. Assisting police officers were hindered by other demonstrators. The person regained consciousness, refused further medical assistance, and left.
Later, several people masked themselves, according to the police, and shouted legally relevant slogans. Bottles were thrown at police officers and journalists, and officers were kicked.
Injured protesters taken to Berlin hospital after Pro-Palestine demo
The event leadership reportedly declared the demonstration over in the early evening. However, approximately 250 people refused to leave, continued throwing bottles and shouted banned and police-hostile slogans.
The police cleared the area by pushing and shoving, resulting in seven participants being injured. Four of them were taken to the hospital, as well as a rescue helicopter being deployed.
28 criminal complaints were filed for insults, breach of peace, bodily harm, attempted prisoner release, resistance against execution officers, or hate speech, in addition to five more for bodily harm against officers on duty.
The demonstration in Berlin, echoing the "Stop the Gaza Genocide" call, was primarily focused on the Gaza Strip, a region often associated with ongoing conflicts between Palestinians and Israel. Despite the violence and chaos that ensued, two women, one waving an Israeli flag, bravely participated, prompting numerous interventions by the police.
Following the violent clashes in Berlin, authorities in Gaza reported an increase in tensions, with Israel issuing warnings and deploying additional troops along the boundary of the Gaza Strip.
