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The human rights commissioner of the Council of Europe, Michael O’flaherty, expressed critical issues in regards to the conduct of the German authorities in response to pro-gaza occasions. In a letter addressed to the German Interior Minister, Alexander Dobrindt, O’Flaherty highlighted what he perceives as a violation of the liberty of expression and the suitable to the peaceable meeting.
“Since February 2025, the Berlin Authorities have imposed restrictions on the usage of the Arabic language and cultural symbols throughout protests. In some circumstances, such because the occasion held on May 15, 2025, the marches had been restricted to static conferences. Furthermore, the protesters underwent subjected to intrusive surveillance – associated on-line and individual – and arbitrators that police checks had been police”.
The commissioner additionally launched alarm for studies of disproportionate police violence throughout these occasions.
“I’m deeply nervous in regards to the accusations of extreme energy utilized by the police in opposition to the protesters, together with minors, who in some circumstances have led to accidents. The use of drive with the police should adhere to the rules of non -discrimination, legality, necessity, proportionality and precaution,” he stated.
O’flaherty urged the German authorities to analyze episodes of extreme drive within the backside and to contemplate officers accountable the place the misconduct is situated. He noticed that police efforts to suppress the commemorations of the Nakba Day – a reminiscence of the 1948 displacement of the Palestinians – had been significantly worrying.
The supporter of Irish human rights additionally burdened that freedom of speech appears to be restricted to some German universities and cultural establishments. He talked about studies from international residents who face deportation following their involvement in pro-gaza actions.
“I’m involved with the indications that the definition of labor of anti -Semitism adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) is interpreted by some German authorities in a manner that’s equal to any criticism of Israel with anti -Semitism,” wrote O’Flaherty.
Tensions have elevated in Germany for the reason that starting of the battle of Gaza, with frequent clashes on the Filo-Palestinian gatherings. During the protest of Nakba in mid -May, the slogans similar to “From the river to the ocean, Palestine might be free”, the phrase thought-about anti -Semitic pursuant to the German regulation, had been listened to protesters. The occasion noticed a number of accidents whereas the clashes intensified.
In April, 5 college students had been arrested throughout a protest at Humboldt University for singing anti-Israeli slogans. The German police additionally took measures in opposition to demonstrators exhibiting prohibited symbols, together with altered Hamas slogans.
