“Imminent Dangers”
Pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Berlin finally banned
05/13/2022 11:57 p.m
On Sunday, the Palestinians commemorate the expulsion in connection with the founding of the state of Israel. Several demos have been registered for this in the capital. But the authorities fear riots. A court speaks of the danger of a “mood reaching into anti-Semitism”.
The Berlin-Brandenburg Higher Administrative Court has finally confirmed a ban on several pro-Palestinian demonstrations that will apply in the coming days. Three meetings planned in the capital by Sunday remain prohibited, the court said. Previously, an urgent procedure at the Berlin administrative court had failed. The Higher Administrative Court also rejected an appeal against this decision. “The decision is final,” it said.
Both courts referred to the police risk forecasts. The Berlin Administrative Court explained that the experiences with similar gatherings from the previous year and in April and May gave rise to fears that the participants could commit acts of violence. In the past, bottles and stones were thrown at police officers and pyrotechnics were used.
The particularly high degree of mobilization to be expected on the so-called Nakba Day also weighs heavily in the prognosis. The “highly anti-Israel atmosphere and bordering on anti-Semitism” noted for earlier gatherings is also suitable for conveying a readiness to use violence. In view of these “immediate dangers” the bans are also proportionate. The Higher Administrative Court also agreed.
The reason for all gatherings prohibited in the capital is the so-called Nakba Day on May 15th. On this day, the Palestinians commemorate the Nakba (catastrophe) every year – the expulsion and flight of more than 700,000 compatriots after the founding of the State of Israel.