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OVG Münster Curbs Blanket Speech Ban for Düsseldorf Pro‑Palestinian Protest

Judges ruled that rejecting Israel's existence falls under free expression unless incitement is shown.

Overview

  • The Higher Administrative Court in Münster partially overturned restrictions by Düsseldorf police and a lower court, finding a general prohibition on denying Israel's existence unlawful.
  • The chant "Yalla, yalla, Intifada" remains banned because the court said it can be understood as endorsing violent acts by radical Palestinians.
  • "From the river to the sea" stays prohibited in the interim due to its association with the outlawed group Hamas, with a fuller assessment not feasible in expedited proceedings.
  • The ban on the slogan "There is only one state – Palestine '48" was lifted after the court found no concrete link to criminal conduct or banned organizations.
  • The demonstration is allowed to proceed under the modified conditions, and the emergency ruling is not open to appeal.