The Jurisdiction of Administrative Courts in MünsterProhibits the Slogan "From the River to the Sea" at the Protest
In preparation for a pro-Palestinian rally scheduled for the one-year anniversary of Hamas' assault on Israel, occurring on October 7th, the Administrative Court of Münster has validated the prohibition of the phrase "From the River to the Sea." In a public declaration, the court denied the emergency appeal challenging the restriction on this slogan, which is also forbidden in English and various other languages, specifically "From the River to the Sea - Palestine shall be liberated."
The police headquarters in Münster stands behind the assembly limitation, asserting that the slogan aligns with the organization bans against Hamas and Samidoun. The remarkable usage of this slogan is by no means permitted at pro-Palestinian events.
The applicant contended that judges had consistently verified that voicing this slogan is not punishable. Nevertheless, the Administrative Court dismissed the emergency appeal due to the overall weighing of interests leaning against the applicant. The applicant has the option to submit an appeal against this decision.
Additionally, numerous demonstrations are anticipated in Germany on the anniversary of October 7. For instance, the city of Frankfurt am Main has banned a pro-Palestinian gathering due to predictions of population incitement, appeals for unlawful activities, along with anti-Israeli and anti-Semitic catchphrases.
The prohibition of the slogan "From the River to the Sea" extends to English, affecting pro-Palestinian rallies near the River. Despite previous court rulings indicating that the slogan is not punishable, the Administrative Court of Münster upheld its ban due to potential implications.
