Overview

• The Berlin Administrative Court ruled on July 15, 2025 that the political activity ban imposed under the Aufenthaltsgesetz was unlawful.
• Judges found no criminally relevant statements or support for terrorist organizations in Abu-Sittah’s public appearances since the October 2023 Hamas attack.
• The court held that even if a security concern had existed, the ban was disproportionate because authorities ignored his humanitarian work with Médecins Sans Frontières and his expert testimony at the International Criminal Court.
• The ban had prevented the surgeon from attending the April 2024 Palestine Congress in Berlin and from publishing or speaking about the event.
• Berlin authorities have one month to seek an appeal at the Oberverwaltungsgericht, but the ruling stands unless an expedited review is granted.