Pro-Palestinian slogan could be prosecuted
The slogan "From the river to the sea", which is often used at pro-Palestinian demonstrations, could be prosecuted in Saxony-Anhalt in future. Although it always depends on the context of the slogan, there is always an initial suspicion of a criminal offense, said Klaus Tewes, spokesman for the public prosecutor's office in Naumburg, when asked. Public prosecutors in other federal states had recently announced that they would classify the slogan accordingly and prosecute it.
The background to this is the Federal Ministry of the Interior's order banning the terrorist organization Hamas. In addition to banned signs such as flags or headbands, the slogan "From the river to the sea" (in German or in another language) is also listed there. However, there have only been a few pro-Palestinian rallies in Saxony-Anhalt so far, so that there are no findings in connection with the slogan, said Chief Public Prosecutor Tewes. Especially if the slogan disturbs public peace, a prison sentence of up to three years or a fine could be imposed.
The slogan "From the river to the sea" dates back to the 1960s and was already used by the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) at the time. It is intended to express that the area from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea is claimed - in other words, the territory of Israel.
In this context, the pro-Palestinian slogan's association with crime and potential prosecution in politics extends beyond Saxony-Anhalt, as public prosecutors in other federal states have also declared their intent to prosecute the slogan "From the river to the sea." If used in a manner that disrupts public peace, justice may impose a prison sentence of up to three years or issue a fine.
Source: www.dpa.com
