Police Launch 65 Investigations Following Middle East Demonstrations in Berlin
Berlin authorities have initiated 65 criminal investigations after a series of demonstrations related to the Middle East conflict took place across the city. The events, which occurred on the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, led to heightened police presence and a significant number of detentions.
According to Berlin police, a total of 193 individuals were detained during and after the demonstrations. In most instances, detentions were made for the purpose of verifying the identities of participants. The specific criminal investigations concern a variety of offenses, including public insult, severe breaches of the peace, coercion in road traffic, physical attacks on law enforcement officers, resistance to police, use of symbols associated with unconstitutional and terrorist organizations, and incitement of hatred. In addition to these cases, police initiated multiple proceedings for administrative offenses.
One of the most prominent gatherings occurred near Alexanderplatz, where approximately 300 people assembled in a pro-Palestinian demonstration, defying an official ban. The atmosphere was tense, with some participants chanting prohibited slogans and refusing to comply with police orders to disperse. As police attempted to clear the area, they were met with resistance, including attempts by demonstrators to free detained individuals. Law enforcement responded by employing crowd control tactics, including physical intervention, to restore order.
Throughout the city, police were deployed to oversee a total of 21 assemblies and events connected to the Middle East conflict. The force mobilized around 1,500 officers to manage the gatherings and respond to incidents as they occurred. In the early hours of the day, a spontaneous demonstration with a pro-Palestinian focus took place at the intersection of Warschauer Straße and Stralauer Allee in the Friedrichshain district. Among the 37 people present, two blocked the roadway, leading to police intervention. Authorities confiscated a banner after prohibited slogans were shouted and subsequently launched a criminal investigation for incitement of hatred. In total, 17 temporary detentions were reported at this location, linked to the use of symbols associated with banned organizations and coercion in traffic.
Police highlighted that the majority of detentions were temporary and primarily aimed at establishing the identities of those involved in the demonstrations. By late evening, most of the individuals detained for violating regulations under the Freedom of Assembly Act were released. The events form part of a broader pattern of heightened tensions and law enforcement activity in Berlin, reflecting the city's ongoing challenges in balancing public order with the right to assembly, especially during sensitive anniversaries related to the Middle East conflict.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to enforcing legal restrictions on the use of symbols associated with unconstitutional organizations and maintaining public safety during large-scale demonstrations. Further updates regarding the status of the investigations and any subsequent legal action are expected as proceedings continue.