Criticism Levied Harshly by EU Parliament Towards Germany over Aggressive Handling of Pro-Palestinian Demonstrations - Condemnation of Violence Towards Pro-Palestinian Protesters by Council of Europe, Particularly in Germany
Hey there! Let's talk about some serious stuff going down in Germany. The Council of Europe, represented by Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O’Flaherty, has issued a stern rebuke towards the German government's handling of pro-Palestinian protests during the Gaza conflict in 2025.
The Scuffle in Berlin-Kreuzberg
First off, remember the brutal clash between pro-Palestinian protesters and police in Berlin-Kreuzberg back in May? Regrettably, several protesters and 11 police officers got injured, including a severe injury. The police tried to control the demonstration, which was initially planned to march into the Neukölln neighborhood, by ruling that the protest had to be held in one place. In the end, 56 people were arrested.
A Warning from the Council of Europe
Now, here comes the meat of the issue. O’Flaherty voiced his concerns about measures taken by German authorities that limit freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly for people protesting in connection with the Gaza conflict. The use of violence during these events should comply with principles of non-discrimination and proportionality. Cases of excessive force should be investigated, those responsible should be punished appropriately, and victims should be informed about possible legal recourse.
Moreover, O’Flaherty strongly condemned "restrictions on the use of the Arabic language and cultural symbols." He pressured security forces to be easily identifiable, as restrictions on freedom of expression have also been reported at universities, cultural institutions, and schools. Additionally, he referred to reports of "attempted deportations of foreigners due to their participation in demonstrations related to the Gaza conflict."
The Misuse of Antisemitism Definitions
But it's not all about physical violence. O’Flaherty expressed worry that some German authorities were categorically labeling criticism of Israel as antisemitic. He urged the definition of antisemitism not to be "distorted, instrumentalized, or misapplied, so that freedom of expression and legitimate criticism are suppressed, including criticism of the state of Israel."
Key Concerns from the Council of Europe Report
The report highlights five major issues that need immediate attention:
- Excessive Police Force and Surveillance: German police have been accused of using excessive force and engaging in intrusive surveillance, including online monitoring and random police checks.
- Restrictions on Freedom of Expression and Assembly: The report states that pro-Palestinian demonstrators have faced severe restrictions on their ability to express themselves freely, such as bans on Arabic language slogans and cultural symbols, and limitations on marches and assemblies.
- Concerns About Misuse of Antisemitism Definitions: The Council of Europe cautions against misusing the definition of antisemitism to suppress legitimate political discourse.
- Legal and Ethical Obligations: The German government is reminded of its legal obligations to ensure that restrictions on protest rights meet the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality, and non-discrimination.
- Calls for Accountability: The report demands that German authorities investigate reports of police abuses, ensure accountability, and avoid deportation actions against foreign nationals participating in peaceful protests.
That's all for now! This is an informal summary of the issues at hand. Check out the Council of Europe's official report for more comprehensive insights. Let's hope the situation gets resolved soon. Stay tuned for more updates!
References:[1] https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/violence-against-pro-palestinian-protesters-council-of-europe-rebukes-germany-sharply[2] https://www.dw.com/en/council-of-europe-urges-germany-to-avoid- Labeling-pro-palestinian-protests-as-antisemitic/a-52384074[3] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/16/council-of-europe- warns-germany-over-brutal-crackdown-on-gaza-protests[4] https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/2025/06/01/council-of-europe- condemns-germanys-repressive-measures-against-pro-palestinian-protests/
- In light of the Council of Europe's report, EC countries should reconsider their employment policies to address the increasing concerns about freedom of expression, particularly in relation to war-and-conflicts such as the Gaza conflict, and ensure that their law enforcement agencies adhere strictly to principles of non-discrimination and proportionality.
- As international politics evolves, it is essential for EC employment policies to prioritize the protection of workers in journalist roles, who play a crucial part in disseminating general-news, crime-and-justice, and political happenings like the controversy surrounding the Gaza conflict and the subsequent crackdown on pro-Palestinian protests in Germany, to safeguard a free flow of information and maintain an informed populace.
