Berlin Police Crack Down on Nakba Commemorations
12 Arrested at Jewish-Organized Rally
Despite Ban, Protesters Vow to Continue
On 15 May 2022, following a city-wide ban on commemorations of the 74th anniversary of the Nakba, the Berlin Police arrested 12 people at a Jewish-organized rally in the city. The arrests came after a protester allegedly attempted to disrupt the event.
The Nakba, or "catastrophe," refers to the mass displacement of Palestinians that occurred during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. The anniversary of the Nakba is commemorated by Palestinians and their supporters around the world.
In recent years, Berlin has seen a growing number of Nakba commemoration events. However, the city has also faced pressure from pro-Israel groups to ban such events, arguing that they are anti-Semitic.
The ban on Nakba commemorations this year sparked outrage from Palestinian rights groups and free speech advocates. Amnesty International condemned the ban, saying that it "restricts freedom of expression and freedom of assembly."
Despite the ban, protesters vowed to continue to commemorate the Nakba. In a statement, the Left Party Berlin said, "We will not allow our city to become a safe haven for those who seek to suppress free speech and silence dissent."
The trial of the 12 people arrested at the Nakba commemoration rally is scheduled to begin on 23 May. The defendants face charges of disturbing the peace and resisting arrest.
Conclusion
The crackdown on Nakba commemorations in Berlin is a troubling sign of the growing intolerance for free speech in Europe. The right to protest and commemorate historical events is essential to a free and democratic society. We must continue to stand up for the rights of all people to express their views, even if those views are unpopular or controversial. 
972 Magazine
The Left Berlin
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