GERMANY: Palestine solidarity protests in Berlin see widespread use of excessive force
On 7 October, a Palestine solidarity demonstration took place in Berlin, with approximately hundreds people taking part. According to observers and testimonies, 47 protesters were arrested by the police, including three children aged 13, 14 and 16. According to civil society statements, police surrounded the demonstration from all sides, creating a climate of intimidation and started arrests at the beginning of the protest without informing protesters of the reason for the arrest. Documented police violence included punching and beating protesters in the face, choking, pain grips, forced takedowns, kneeling on restrained individuals, and blocking contact between arrested protesters and witnesses and lawyers. One protester allegedly suffered a concussion during arrest and was still held at a detention centre for hours. One female protester reported being sexually assaulted by an officer, and several independent journalists were obstructed, and one was arrested.
Three days later, another demonstration took place in Berlin and was attended by roughly 20,000 people, according to the organisers, and 3,500 according to the police. Police banned the protest from taking place on the planned route, although it had already been registered in August. According to observers, police again used excessive force and 31 protesters were arrested, among them an elderly person, who was arrested particularly violently, and a 14-year-old minor. Two people were arrested for making the comparison to the German genocide in Namibia and Gaza in their protest signs, despite having already received a decision by the court that the sign was lawful.
These incidents are part of a wider and well-documented pattern of repression targeting the Palestine solidarity movement in Germany, where authorities have imposed bans, restrictions and heavy policing and violence.