Berlin authorities forcibly close Palestinian meeting
In a surprising turn of events, a three-day pro-Palestinian conference in Berlin was abruptly ended and banned over the weekend due to anticipated antisemitic remarks and glorification of violence by a specific speaker, Salman Abu Sitta.
German authorities had expressed concern about the opinions expected to be shared at the conference in the days leading up to it. The police, citing these concerns, stormed the stage, cut the power, and demanded approximately 250 participants to leave the area.
Berlin mayor Kai Wegner stated that it was "intolerable" that the conference was happening in Berlin, emphasising that the city does not tolerate antisemitism, hatred, and incitement against Jews.
Salman Abu Sitta, the speaker at the centre of the controversy, made an appearance at the protest event via video call during the shut-down conference. It is unclear what specific antisemitic remarks he might have made, but it is known that he has expressed understanding for Hamas militants behind the October 7 attack on Israel in an essay published in January.
The organization behind the event, "Initiative für ein friedliches Miteinander," is considering taking legal action against the police. Karin de Rigo, parliamentary candidate for the German branch of DIEM25, stated that the protesters were treated like criminals.
No information was provided about the other speakers at the conference. Berlin police announced on social media that a speaker subject to a ban on political activity was projected at the conference. It is also reported that Salman Abu Sitta is banned from entering Germany, according to Stern.
The police did not provide any details on how they clamped down on the conference. The activists behind the event are undeterred and are considering their next steps, which may include legal action against the authorities. This incident has sparked a debate about freedom of speech and the boundaries of acceptable discourse in public protests.
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