Recognition of contemporary indicators is hoped for from the Berlin police chief.
In recent weeks, Berlin has witnessed a troubling pattern of violence against its police officers by pro-Palestinian activists. These attacks, which include the use of stones, bottles, paint bombs, punches, kicks, and targeted attacks on unprotected body parts, are not considered appropriate behavior in Berlin.
The situation has been part of a broader context of heightened tensions around Palestine solidarity protests in the city. Over the past nearly two years, Berlin authorities have intensified legal and police measures targeting these protests, which have sometimes turned violent.
Current Legal Measures
Berlin has criminalized many Palestine solidarity activities, such as banning demonstrations and commemorations like Nakba anniversaries in 2022 and 2023. Since October 2024, there have been about 9,000 legal proceedings related to pro-Palestinian activism, many classified under hate crimes and antisemitic offenses, handled mainly by a specialized section of Berlin’s public prosecutor's office.
The boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement supporting Palestine is labeled "anti-constitutional" by Berlin’s Office for the Protection of the Constitution, enabling stronger police and security actions against activists.
Potential Changes in Assembly Laws
Berlin Police President Barbara Slowik Meisel (59) is considering a change in assembly laws, although specific details about the nature of these changes have not been provided. The labeling of BDS as unconstitutional and the expanded powers granted to police hint at tighter restrictions on protests. There is also increased police monitoring of social media (likely AI-assisted) to track activists and justify preventive or repressive actions.
Police Response
The Berlin Police have responded forcefully to pro-Palestinian demonstrations, with instances of mass arrests, use of riot police, and incidents of police violence resulting in injuries. Criticism focuses on the excessive use of force against demonstrators, including queer activists, with accusations that police act with impunity amid political backing.
Anticipation for Results
Barbara Slowik Meisel's actions are perceived as acknowledging the current situation and have sparked anticipation for results. However, it is unclear whether the promised changes will provide immediate protection for Berlin police officers from new violence this weekend.
Michael Behrendt, a commentator on the ongoing incidents, has expressed that the attacks are excessive. The situation remains tense, with the potential for continued violence this weekend.
[1] https://www.dw.com/en/berlin-police-crack-down-on-palestine-protests/a-58509224 [2] https://www.dw.com/en/berlin-police-accused-of-violence-against-queer-activists/a-59327546 [3] https://www.dw.com/en/berlin-police-use-force-to-evict-palestine-protest-camp/a-58625376 [4] https://www.dw.com/en/berlin-police-accused-of-violence-against-queer-activists/a-59327546 [5] https://www.dw.com/en/berlin-police-use-force-to-evict-palestine-protest-camp/a-58625376
In the context of Berlin's intensified legal measures against Palestine solidarity protests, the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement is labeled "anti-constitutional," indicating stricter police actions against activists. General news articles have documented excessive use of force by the Berlin Police against pro-Palestinian demonstrators, including instances of police violence and mass arrests, as well as accusations of impunity amid political backing. Crime and justice concerns are escalating as the potential for continued violence this weekend remains tense.
