Wednesday, May 19, 2021
Protest in Gelsenkirchen
85 suspects after anti-Israel demonstration
The conflict between Palestinians and Israel is also being waged in German cities. At a demonstration in Gelsenkirchen, numerous people sing anti-Semitic chants, the police are investigating. According to NRW Interior Minister Reul, more and more suspects are known.
After the anti-Semitic riots in front of a synagogue in Gelsenkirchen last week, the police have now identified five suspects by name. A total of 16 suspects were identified on video recordings who chanted anti-Semitic or anti-Israeli slogans, reported North Rhine-Westphalia Interior Minister Herbert Reul. Of these, however, eleven are still unknown. In one case, pre-trial detention had already been ordered.
The suspects identified are a 30-year-old with German nationality, a 27-year-old German-Lebanese, a 24-year-old Lebanese, a 20-year-old Lebanese and a 22-year-old Syrian. “The suspects have made relevant appearances – among other things because of bodily harm and property offenses,” reported Reul. “For one of these suspects there are state security-relevant findings.”
Police operation on the test bench
The cases recorded so far are being investigated on the grounds of suspicion of sedition, insults, resistance to police officers and attacks on police officers and the holding of unauthorized events. Since last week the police authorities in North Rhine-Westphalia have reported a total of 47 cases with anti-Semitic or anti-Israeli reference, reported Reul. A total of 85 suspects were recorded and 31 of them were identified.
On Wednesday of last week, the police near the Gelsenkirchen synagogue faced up to 180 demonstrators who had started anti-Semitic chants with few emergency services. The police in Gelsenkirchen took a first hint from social media that morning, but did not assume that there would be an upcoming larger gathering, said Reul. “The evaluation could possibly be improved.” The assessment at the time was: “Nothing will happen there.” This mission will now be processed, announced the interior minister.
.