Courage for discussions
Buschmann calls for more commitment from lecturers after university protests
24.05.2024, 05:07
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The police ended the pro-Palestinian protest at Humboldt University at the request of the Berlin Senate. Now Federal Justice Minister Buschmann has commented on the story. He is holding the teachers accountable.
In view of the pro-Palestinian protests at German universities, Federal Justice Minister Marco Buschmann has called on lecturers to take responsibility. “There must be no threats, no insults, no approval of criminal acts,” the FDP politician told the newspapers of the Funke Media Group. “Personally, I would like lecturers to encourage their students to present arguments. Especially at universities, the stronger argument should count – and not the louder shouting.”
There are repeated protests at German universities against Israel’s actions in the Gaza war and actions by students in solidarity with the Palestinians. On Thursday, the police ended the occupation of parts of Berlin’s Humboldt University by around 150 pro-Palestinian activists and evacuated the university. The university administration initially tolerated the occupation and relied on a dialogue between occupiers and scientists – which caused massive criticism from politicians.
Germany has a special responsibility
Buschmann went on to say that the Islamist Hamas is responsible for the suffering in Gaza and that Germany has a special responsibility towards Israel. Of course, those who do not agree with this attitude can also invoke freedom of expression. “The limit is reached when violence is used or incited, when personal rights are violated or symbols of terrorist organisations are used,” said the minister.
Buschmann added that he found some of the side effects of the protests at universities particularly painful. “That’s where young people are supposed to resolve conflicts – and with rational, verifiable arguments. Not by shouting at others or threatening them with their fists.” The Minister of Justice defended police operations in this context. “Universities are special places – but they are not outside the law. Demonstrations on university campuses are subject to the same rules as other demonstrations,” he said. “That’s why it is of course right for the police to intervene when there are violations of the law.”