Berlin Anti-Israel shouts and burned flag at demonstrations

SDA

5.10.2024 - 15:51

ARCHIVE - The flag of Palestine is waved at a pro-Palestinian rally. Photo: Monika Skolimowska/dpa
ARCHIVE - The flag of Palestine is waved at a pro-Palestinian rally. Photo: Monika Skolimowska/dpa
Keystone

The police have intervened because of anti-Israeli shouts and actions at pro-Palestinian demonstrations on Berlin's Alexanderplatz. According to the police, ten temporary arrests were made on Friday evening. In one case, this concerned a man who tore up paper flags of the state of Israel at a rally with the slogan "Vigil for Gaza".

At a rally entitled "Stop the war" with around 100 participants at its peak, anti-Israel or Israel-defaming slogans were repeatedly shouted, according to the police. The rally leaders were asked to exert a moderating influence on the crowd.

Speeches by underage children

According to the police, around 60 people took part in the vigil. According to the police, around 400 officers were on site. Among other things, investigations are underway on suspicion of insulting people and using symbols of unconstitutional and terrorist organizations, they said.

The mother (40) of an eleven-year-old child is also being investigated on suspicion of violating her duty of care and upbringing. The background to this is that, according to the police, speeches at the "Stop the war" rally were specifically made by underage children who cannot yet be prosecuted.

Numerous demonstrations at the weekend

This weekend, people in Berlin want to commemorate the Hamas massacre in Israel a year ago and the Gaza war with rallies and demonstrations. The police are preparing for a large-scale operation. According to the authorities, around 2,000 police officers will be deployed in Berlin alone on the anniversary itself, October 7. Berlin's Senator of the Interior Iris Spranger (SPD) has announced a crackdown in the event of anti-Semitic remarks.

SDA