Flag prohibition persists at commemorative gatherings - Flag display prohibition persists during memorial events
Tossing the Red Banner Aside: WWII Memorials in Berlin Keep the Soviet Flag Ban Alive
Let's talk about the ongoing prohibition of Soviet flags at World War II memorials in Berlin—yup, you read that right! The Administrative Court upheld this rule in an urgent hearing (Case No.: VG 1 L 492/25). If the decision rubs you the wrong way, you can always try appealing to the Higher Administrative Court of Berlin-Brandenburg.
Early May is off-limits for waving its red hues around Berlin's memorials. The Berlin police have issued a strict order banning flags and banners with Russian ties from 8 May morning to 9 May 2025 evening. This includes the symbolic Soviet Memorial in Treptow, among other locations.
A Chilly Snub for the Association
Think you've got a beef with being barred from flying the red flag at the Soviet Memorial in Treptow during a memorial event? Well, there's an association that tried to make a stink about it, claiming their right to assembly was compromised. But the Administrative Court wasn't having it. They squashed the plea, declaring that the ban was legally sound. The main goal here was to keep public peace and honorably commemorate the anniversary. A nifty trick, don't you think, for stopping the show of Soviet flags on this particular day?
The Court's Warped Perspective
The whole shebang is due to the heated conflict between Russia and Ukraine. With the court pointing out that Soviet flags could be linked to a readiness for violence and support for Russia's war efforts, it's easy to see why they wouldn't be welcome on remembrance days. The Stalinist specter in the midst of peace commemorations might give off the wrong impression—one that could dishonor the victims and stir up trouble.
The Russian Embassy wasn't shy about sharing their two cents, describing the ban as "unjustified, discriminatory, and humiliating." In their eyes, it was a way to trample on the inalienable rights of descendants of the Soviet liberators to pay tribute to the defeat of Nazism with class and dignity. Ouch. They even went so far as to accuse the powers that be ofHistorical revisionism and political opportunism.
The Tragic Toll of War
The Soviet people put up one hell of a fight against Hitler's war machine, paying a price that's hard to fathom. A whopping 27 million Soviet citizens lost their lives on the battlefield, in concentration camps, through forced labor, during bombing raids, due to starvation, and from disease.
Not only are Soviet flags banned from WWII memorials in Berlin, but other symbols like the letters "V" and "Z," St. George's ribbons, and military uniforms or insignia are off-limits too[3][4]. However, there are exceptions to the rule. WWII veterans, diplomats, and officials from countries involved in the victory over Nazism are exempted from these restrictions[3].
- The Administrative Court has upheld the rule that prohibits the display of Soviet flags at World War II memorials in Berlin, including the symbolic Soviet Memorial in Treptow.
- The ban on Soviet flags extends from May 8, 2025 morning to May 9, 2025 evening, as outlined in the strict order issued by the Berlin police.
- The association that tried to challenge the ban during a memorial event was unsuccessful, with the Administrative Court deeming the ban as legally sound.
- The court's decision to ban Soviet flags is linked to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with the concern that Soviet flags could be linked to a readiness for violence and support for Russia's war efforts.
- The Russian Embassy has criticized the ban as "unjustified, discriminatory, and humiliating," claiming it as a means to trample on the inalienable rights of descendants of the Soviet liberators to pay tribute to the defeat of Nazism.
