Council of Europe warns: Berlin endangers freedom of expression at Demos!
Council of Europe warns: Berlin endangers freedom of expression at Demos!
Berlin, Deutschland - The discussion about freedom of expression and protest law in Germany reaches a new highlight. In a recently published letter to Federal Minister of the Interior Michael O’Flahery , worrying concerns with pro-Palestinian protests.
o’flaherty warned that the restrictions on freedom of assembly could harm the cornerstones of democracy. From October 2023 to June 2025, a total of 1,569 meetings were reported in connection with the Middle East conflict, with impressive 98.47% being approved. Only 24 of these events were banned. Nevertheless, the requirements are questionable in many cases, as the Senate Department for Interior admits.
The conflict about freedom of expression
From February 2025, special restrictions were introduced in the protests, which, among other things, prohibit the use of the Arabic language in slogans. The President of the German-Palestinian Society, Nazi Musharbash described these restrictions as violation of freedom of expression. Also Jannis Grimm , protest researcher at the FU Berlin, expresses worrying tendencies regarding the restriction of freedom of assembly.In his letter, O’Flaherty emphasized the need for the use of police force to stand in accordance with the rule of law, such as proportionality, legality and non -discrimination. He reported excessive use of violence, especially against minors, and demanded that such cases should be thoroughly examined. O’Flaherty sees the danger that criticism of Israel will be stamped as anti -Semitically, which could endanger freedom of expression.
The reaction of the authorities
The Berlin police rejected the allegations of excessive use of violence and emphasized that their missions are always in accordance with the Freedom of Assessment Act. During a pro-Palestinian protest in Berlin-Kreuzberg in May there were disputes in which several demonstrators and eleven police officers were injured.
A total of 56 people were arrested by violent clashes. According to the police, the demonstrating objects had thrown on the police officers, which justified the use of pushing, pressing and pushing techniques. These events raise questions about how violently the reactions of the authorities are.
demands of the European Council
The comments of the Council of Europe underline the continuing tensions and the striving for a balance between the right to freedom of expression and the maintenance of public order. O’Flaherty demanded that those responsible for excessive use of violence to account and inform the victims about their legal options.
The debate about freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest has achieved a new degree of urgency in Germany and especially in Berlin. The reactions of the authorities and the claims for transparency and accountability could decide how the protest culture in the country is developing.
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| Ort | Berlin, Deutschland |
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