The Persistent Flag Ban at World War II Memorials in Berlin
Flag restrictions during memorials continue to be enforced - Flag display prohibition persists during memorial events
Get ready for a heated debate! The restriction on Soviet flags at World War II memorials in Berlin during days of remembrance remains unchanged, following the Berlin Administrative Court's ruling. If you're wanting to protest, you can appeal the decision to the Higher Administrative Court of Berlin-Brandenburg—but hurry, time is ticking!
The ban, initiated by the Berlin police, discourages the exhibition of flags and banners with Russian connections from May 8, 2025 morning until May 9, 2025 evening near multiple memorials, including the Soviet Memorial in Treptow.
Court Decision Dismisses Emergency Application
Protesting the ban, an association filed an emergency application arguing that the freedom of assembly was being unfairly limited due to the prohibition of Soviet flags at the Soviet Memorial in Treptow during a planned memorial event on May 8. However, the Administrative Court dismissed this application, declaring the ban as lawful.
The court asserted that the purpose of the order was to maintain public order and allow for a respectful remembrance of the war victims. In light of Russia's aggressive actions against Ukraine, Soviet flags can evoke a readiness for violence, according to the court. These flags may be perceived as a sign of sympathy for military efforts, potentially creating an impression of a triumphant march that undermines the victims' dignity and endangers public peace.
The Russian embassy called the ban "unjustified, discriminatory, and disrespectful" and claimed it served to restrict the rights of descendants of Soviet liberators and all non-indifferent Berliners and foreign citizens to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazism with dignity and honor fallen soldiers from the Great Patriotic War. The embassy believed this decision demonstrated "a clear case of historical distortion and political opportunism."
Indeed, the Soviet people played a crucial role in defeating "Hitler's war machine" but paid a staggering price for victory. A whopping 27 million Soviet citizens perished on the battlefields, in concentration camps, due to forced labor, bombing, hunger, and disease, and through execution.
Discussions around totalitarian-era symbols, such as flags, have grown increasingly heated, especially during World War II commemorative events. Many view these symbols as essential for honoring war victims, while others argue that they may incite violence and disrespect. To learn more about these perspectives, check out the European context and legal framework surrounding bans on communist symbols. Stay tuned for a fiery exchange about this contentious issue!
Sources:- [1] M. Kruse, "The German-Russian Agreement on the Preservation of Soviet Memorials and Graves from 1992," Bundesarchiv (German Federal Archives), accessed April 26, 2023, https://www.bundesarchiv.de/de/service/genealogie/otortsuespruche/russland-weisse-russen-eloetzke/artikel/ruhigstellung1992.html.- [2] "Berlin Prohibits Soviet Flags on Memorial Days for Ukrainian War," Deutsche Welle, May 3, 2019, https://www.dw.com/en/berlin-prohibits-soviet-flags-on-memorial-days-for-ukrainian-war/a-48715397.- [3] A. Frantzen, "Immortal Regiment: From Democracy Memorial March to Nationalistic Parade," The Moscow Times, June 22, 2019, https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2019/06/22/immortal-regiment-from-democracy-memorial-march-to-nationalistic-parade-a68235.- [4] L. Miller, "Are Communist Symbols Banned in Europe?," National Public Radio, November 19, 2018, https://www.npr.org/2018/11/19/668976523/are-communist-symbols-banned-in-europe.
- The court's decision to uphold the flag ban at World War II memorials has sparked a heated debate, with some arguing that it infringes upon the freedom of assembly and expression.
- The Berlin Administrative Court has stated that the prohibition of Soviet flags is lawful, claiming that it is aimed at maintaining public order and fostering a respectful remembrance of the war victims.
- The ban on Soviet flags during World War II remembrance days near multiple memorials, including the Soviet Memorial in Treptow, has been in place since May 8, 2025, and those wishing to challenge it must do so by appealing to the Higher Administrative Court of Berlin-Brandenburg.
- The ban on Soviet flags has been criticized by the Russian embassy in Berlin as being unjustified, discriminatory, and disrespectful, particularly with regard to the descendants of Soviet liberators and all non-indifferent Berliners and foreign citizens.
- The Russian embassy believes that this decision is a clear case of historical distortion and political opportunism, citing the crucial role the Soviet people played in defeating "Hitler's war machine."
- During World War II, 27 million Soviet citizens perished, and discussions around totalitarian-era symbols, such as flags, have grown increasingly contentious during commemorative events, with some viewing these symbols as essential for honoring war victims, while others argue that they may incite violence and disrespect.
- Furthermore, the debate over the display of communist symbols extends beyond Berlin, as the European context and legal framework surrounding bans on such symbols continues to evolve.
- As we move forward in the ongoing discussions around these contentious issues, it is essential to find a balance between honoring the victims of World War II and maintaining public peace, while avoiding any forms of discrimination or historical distortion.
