Violence erupted during a pro-Palestine demonstration in Berlin, with around 1400 demonstrators throwing stones and bottles at police officers. The demonstration, which attracted up to 4500 participants, saw anti-Semitic slogans being chanted and police officers being injured. Fourteen individuals were temporarily detained as a result of the clashes, with 19 investigations currently underway, including for incitement to hatred and attacking law enforcement.
During the Wednesday evening demonstration, eight officers were injured due to bottle throwing, and police had to defend themselves against attacks by some demonstrators. Anti-Israel slogans denying the country’s right to exist were shouted, along with chants such as “Free Palestine” and the anti-Semitic phrase “Child murderer Israel.” Signs reading “Berlin shall burn” and “Fuck you Germany” were also seen among the protesters. In response, 19 criminal investigations have been initiated by the police, including for offenses such as incitement to hatred and resisting law enforcement.
The protest, which started at Oranienplatz in Kreuzberg and concluded at Hermannplatz, took place under the banner “We charge you with genocide, stop the massacre in Rafah.” A total of 440 police officers monitored the demonstration. Following the dispersal of the protest around 10 pm, several groups of 50 to 150 individuals gathered at various intersections on Sonnenallee. Eight people were temporarily detained by the police during these further incidents, which included the setting off of fireworks and expressions of xenophobia, as well as the lighting of trash containers and car tires, which were subsequently extinguished.
The escalation of tensions at the pro-Palestine demonstration the previous day also involved isolated incidents of stone and bottle throwing at police officers, as well as the detonation of fireworks. An estimated 850 people gathered for the demonstration on Tuesday evening. Police spokespersons confirmed that incidents of pyrotechnics were deployed along with the burning of containers and tires, actions that were responded to and extinguished by residents and law enforcement personnel. The unrest continued, leading to further clashes and arrests during subsequent gatherings on Sonnenallee after the main demonstration had concluded.
The demonstrations have further strained the ongoing tensions between pro-Palestine and pro-Israel supporters, with the violence and anti-Semitic chants drawing condemnation from various quarters. The Berlin police have reinforced their presence and increased measures to maintain public order and ensure the safety of all residents. The incidents highlight the complex and sensitive nature of the Israel-Palestine conflict, with political and social ramifications extending beyond national borders. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and take steps to prevent further outbreaks of violence and hate speech.
