Thousands expected at pro-Palestinian demonstration
A pro-Palestinian demonstration is to take place in Berlin on Saturday (14:00) under strict conditions. According to the police, any statements that are anti-Semitic, anti-Israeli and glorify violence or terror are prohibited. Head of operations Stephan Klatte emphasized in advance that anyone who denies Israel's right to exist is also committing a criminal offence that will be punished immediately. "Repeatedly committing such offenses can lead to the dissolution of an assembly at a very early stage," Klatte told the German Press Agency.
Several pro-Palestinian groups across Germany have called for the protest march. "Many from the left-wing political spectrum, who have already called for a 'revolutionary May Day demonstration' this year, have also mobilized," the police said on request.
According to the police, the organizers were expecting around 2,000 participants. The police are assuming a "five-digit number". Individual "violent individuals or small groups" are to be expected. However, the police assume that participants will generally "strive for peaceful gatherings".
The demonstration is to start at Alexanderplatz at the Neptune Fountain and march past the Humboldt Forum via Unter den Linden, Friedrichstraße and Leipziger Straße to Potsdamer Platz.
According to the authorities, around 1,000 police officers will be on duty throughout the day in connection with the Middle East conflict. Contrary to the demands of the police union, there will be no support from other federal states.
Since the terrorist attack by Islamist Hamas on Israel on October 7, there have been repeated rallies in the capital. Last weekend, well over 10,000 people marched through the streets in solidarity with Palestine.
The prohibited statements at the demonstration include glorification of violence or terror, which can lead to conflicts and escalate extremist sentiments among participants. Despite the expecting presence of violent individuals or small groups, the police assume that most demonstrators will aim for peaceful gatherings.
Source: www.dpa.com
