The organizers of a controversial “Palestine Congress” in Berlin have sharply criticized the police’s actions in dissolving the event. They claim that their democratic rights were violated and have protested against the decision. The police disbanded the event two hours after it began, citing a video speech by a man with a ban on political activities in Germany due to hate speech against Israel and Jews. The organizers expressed their belief that the police’s response was disproportionate and that lesser measures could have been taken to ensure the event’s continuation.
The organizers’ lawyer, Nadija Samour, stated that the police’s actions were unjustified and that attempts to protect the assembly were thwarted. The organizers claim that there were no criminal statements made, as acknowledged by the police themselves. The enforcement of the ban on the speaker was reportedly only communicated to the organizers shortly before the event, leading them to believe that the police intervention was unlawful. The organizers have challenged the police’s decision and have sought to continue the congress, which was originally planned to run until Sunday.
On Saturday, numerous people protested against the dissolution of the congress, with slogans such as “Long live Palestine” and “Palestine will never die” heard during the demonstration. A small group also protested with Israeli flags nearby. The police presence during the demonstration was significant, with around 900 officers deployed, including support from other states such as North Rhine-Westphalia, Hamburg, and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The police explained that the decision to dissolve the event was based on the potential repetition of anti-Semitic, violence-glorifying, and Holocaust-denying speeches at the congress.
Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser praised the police’s actions, stating that it was necessary to crackdown on the so-called “Palestine Congress” to combat Islamist propaganda and hatred against Jews. The police’s intervention was seen as a strong message to those who exploit democracy or doubt the authority of the Berlin police. The organizers of the congress had invited various pro-Palestinian groups to the international event under the theme “We accuse”, many of which have been linked to anti-Israel boycott movements by security authorities and the Berlin government. The exact location of the congress had been kept secret until it was disclosed on Friday.
The criticism of the police’s handling of the “Palestine Congress” in Berlin has sparked debate over the balance between freedom of speech and maintaining public order. While the organizers claim that their democratic rights were violated, the police argue that they had valid reasons to dissolve the event due to concerns over hate speech and potential violence. The response from government officials and law enforcement has been largely supportive of the police’s actions, citing the need to prevent the spread of anti-Semitic rhetoric and maintain public safety. The outcome of the legal challenge against the police’s decision remains to be seen as tensions continue to simmer between the organizers and law enforcement authorities.
