Police Criticized for Forceful Tactics During CSD Demonstration

Following a significant CSD (Christopher Street Day) parade in Berlin, a separate queer demonstration featuring a pro-Palestinian bloc faced police intervention, leading to widespread criticism from event organizers. The group 'Palestine Speaks' expressed outrage over the police's actions, claiming that after the demonstration was banned and prevented from reaching its planned destination, police surrounded the crowd and allegedly launched brutal attacks, particularly targeting the pro-Palestinian participants.

The police reported that throughout the demonstration, they employed suppression tactics, including violent charges against the crowd, repeated physical assaults on demonstrators, and arbitrary detentions. In response, 'Palestine Speaks' called for an end to police violence and the criminalization of solidarity with Palestine in Germany, as well as the cessation of military, financial, and political support for Israel's actions.

According to police statements, they observed numerous violations and criminal acts during the demonstration, which had approximately 10,000 participants. Authorities stated that the originally permitted assembly could have proceeded if participants adhered to legal requirements and agreements. The early dissolution of the demonstration drew criticism from its organizers.

Police noted that antisemitic slogans were shouted from the crowd, and officers were subjected to assaults involving bottles, paint-filled balloons, flagpoles, and physical attacks, resulting in injuries. Consequently, several individuals were detained temporarily.

In an effort to prevent further public safety risks and apprehend identified suspects, police indicated that they had to use coercive measures. Berlin's police chief, Barbara Slowik, labeled the event a clear abuse of the right to assemble, arguing that the demonstrators' actions undermined what should have been a sincere political protest. This perspective was echoed by Stephan Weh, the head of the police union, who harshly criticized the demonstration.

As a result of the clashes, numerous individuals were detained on various charges, including insult, property damage, coercion, resisting arrest, assaulting police officers, serious breaches of public peace, and aggravated bodily harm. Reports indicated that 17 police officers sustained injuries during the incidents.