Berlin Police Enforce Strict Restrictions on Pro-Palestinian Demonstration

Demonstration dissolved after Arabic chants violated language ban; officials cite safety concerns and past incidents to justify measures.

Berlin police imposed restrictions on a pro-Palestinian demonstration, including a ban on Arabic-language chants and speeches, citing safety concerns and prior incidents of hate speech and violence.
The demonstration, which drew around 300 participants, was confined to Wittenbergplatz and required speeches to be in German or English.
The event was dissolved early by police due to repeated violations of the language ban and the uncooperative behavior of the event organizer.
Since October 2023, Berlin has seen a surge in demonstrations related to the Israel-Palestine conflict, with nearly 9,000 criminal charges filed in connection with these events.
Critics argue the restrictions infringe on free speech and target specific communities, while officials maintain they are necessary to prevent hate speech and ensure public safety.