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Berlin Mayor Defends Police Over Banned Pro‑Hamas Rally at Alexanderplatz

The mayor backs the operation, urging firm court decisions.

Overview

  • Police say roughly 300 people gathered despite a ban, with prohibited slogans reported near Alexanderplatz.
  • Officers initially kettled the crowd and detained 193 people, recorded identities, and opened 65 criminal investigations alongside numerous administrative cases.
  • Commanders ended the containment after about four hours, citing heavy rain and proportionality, and released roughly 60 to 70 people suspected of administrative offenses.
  • The force reported resistance against officers and attempts to free detainees following arrests.
  • Governing Mayor Kai Wegner praised the intervention as robust, acknowledged the public criticism over releases in the rain, and urged the judiciary to issue clear, consistent rulings.