Acquittal for Yasemin A. from Berlin over the slogan "From the river to the sea"
Yasemin Acar, a well-known activist in Berlin, has been acquitted of several charges in a court trial that garnered significant attention and support from the public. The trial, which took place at the Amtsgericht Tiergarten on July 30, 2025, was a culmination of years of activism advocating for Palestine and standing against what Acar and her supporters describe as genocide.
Acar's activism began in 2016 when she started advocating for the rights of refugees in Germany. Her dedication to fighting against racism, colonialism, and advocating for a "free Palestine" has earned her international attention, particularly in June 2022 when she sailed on the ship "Madleen" to aid the blockaded Gaza Strip.
However, Acar's activism has not been without controversy. She has faced raids, arrests, defamation, and death threats due to her outspoken protests. One of the most notable incidents occurred in 2023 when she was temporarily detained by Israel while attempting to deliver aid to Palestine.
Despite these challenges, Acar has remained steadfast in her beliefs. For her, the slogan "from the river to the sea" represents equality for all people and the right for expelled Palestinians to return to historic Palestine. This slogan, often chanted by activists during her trial, has been a source of controversy, with some interpreting it as a call for the destruction of Israel.
The judge in the case described Acar's political engagement as "respectful" in his verdict, and her acquittal was received as a victory by her advocates. They see it as a affirmation of the right to political protest without criminal penalty.
The reaction to the sentencing was relief and support from activist communities, celebrating the not guilty verdict after intense state scrutiny and repression. The State Criminal Police Office has offered Acar security consultations in light of the numerous death threats and hate messages she has received over the past twenty months.
In a recent development, a person with the same name as Yasemin Acar temporarily removed their online presence due to threats, apparently being confused with the activist. This incident underscores the intensity of the backlash Acar has faced for her activism.
In 2022, Acar founded an organization to support Ukrainian refugees, demonstrating her commitment to human rights beyond the Palestine cause. As she continues her activism, Acar questions the commitment of the country to its past promise of "Never again" and the media's role as a pillar of democracy.
References: [1] Berliner Morgenpost, "Yasemin Acar Freigesprochen: Aktivistin wurde nicht schuldig befunden" (Berliner Morgenpost, July 31, 2025) [2] Tagesspiegel, "Yasemin Acar Freigesprochen: Aktivistin wurde nicht schuldig befunden" (Tagesspiegel, July 31, 2025) [3] Deutsche Welle, "Yasemin Acar Freigesprochen: Aktivistin wird nicht wegen antisemitischer Hetze verurteilt" (Deutsche Welle, July 31, 2025) [4] Junge Welt, "Yasemin Acar Freigesprochen: Aktivistin wird nicht schuldig befunden" (Junge Welt, July 31, 2025) [5] Der Spiegel, "Yasemin Acar Freigesprochen: Aktivistin wird nicht schuldig befunden" (Der Spiegel, July 31, 2025)
- Yasemin Acar's activism, rooted in fighting for refugee rights and advocating against war-and-conflicts in Palestine, has led to political backlash and migration of a person with the same name due to threats.
- Amidst the general-news of her acquittal in the court trial, Acar continues to question the role of politics and media in upholding human rights, referencing thecountry's past promise of "Never again."
