Berlin police dispersed a rally for Palestine in the left-wing Kreuzberg district of the German capital citing repeated attacks on officers and anti-Semitic slogans on Saturday, as the main Pride event was held elsewhere in the city, reported dpa.
Seventeen police officers were injured in the so-called Internationalist Queer Pride for Liberation (IQP), the force said without providing information about injuries among participants.
Berlin police said that, as of early on Sunday, 57 people had been arrested on charges including breach of the peace, assault and displaying signs of unconstitutional and terrorist organizations.
The rally, which according to organizers called for "anticolonial, antiracist, anticapitalist liberation," was separate from the main Pride march in the capital.
Reports indicate that incidents included bottle throwing and targeted blows with flagpoles. To arrest individuals involved, the police used physical force, they said. Some marchers threw bags of paint at officers.
Despite repeated requests, the organizers were unable to significantly influence the participants, leading to the early dispersal of the demonstration, police said.
The event was halted near Kottbusser Tor, although it was originally scheduled to conclude at 9 pm (1900 GMT) at a square nearby.
Police estimated that around 10,000 people joined the pro-Palestinian demonstration, with approximately 800 individuals having a pro-Palestinian connection.
Many participants carried Palestinian flags and keffiyeh scarves. The organizers called for solidarity with Palestine and advocated for an "anti-colonial, anti-racist, anti-capitalist struggle for freedom." On the sidelines, individuals stood with Israeli flags and the Ukrainian flag.
"Where there is anti-Semitism, where violence is used against police forces, the police will intervene robustly and consistently with the full support of the Governing Mayor," Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner told broadcaster Welt TV.
- Pride rally
- Palestine
- Police
- Germany
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
