News - World: A group of UN human rights experts has called upon Germany to halt the “criminalization, punishment, and suppression” of legitimate Palestinian solidarity activism, cautioning that the country's measures jeopardize fundamental democratic liberties.

“We are alarmed by the persistent pattern of police violence and apparent suppression of Palestine solidarity activism by Germany,” the experts said in a statement on Thursday.

They appealed to Germany to maintain its obligations regarding human rights, and to promote and safeguard the right to peaceful assembly for everyone, without any form of discrimination.

“Under the right to peaceful assembly, non-violent protests are protected and must not be punished,” the experts underscored. “Political protests and those expressing dissent must not be subject to undue restrictions based on content.”

According to the experts, Germany has escalated and expanded restrictions on pro-Palestinian protests since October 2023—when the Israeli regime began its genocidal war on Gaza—even though rallies have been overall peaceful and used to express legitimate demands.

Protesters have voiced demands such as halting arms exports to Israel, ensuring humanitarian aid access to Gaza, the recognition of the State of Palestine, and accountability for those who have committed atrocity crimes.

The experts noted pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Berlin had been subjected to police violence, leaving some injured and requiring medical care. Dozens were arrested, some for simply chanting “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”.

While some courts upheld fines or bans deeming the slogan as condoning violence, other courts recognized it as protected under freedom of expression, they said.

The experts also highlighted “excessive use of police force and arbitrary detentions, including of minors,” saying those measures were being used against protesters and organizers.

The experts warned that there was an “expansive criminalization of human rights defenders and protected expressions connected to defending Palestinian identity and rights; and forced deportations.” 

The experts emphasized that Germany must support, not suppress, actions aiming to stop atrocity crimes and genocide.

“No circumstances can justify unnecessary and excessive police violence or unjust criminalization for exercising fundamental freedoms,” they said.

Critics argue that Germany's approach to foreign policy has been reflected in a domestic initiative aimed at suppressing pro-Palestinian voices.

In the past two years, officials have prohibited numerous rallies, called off cultural events and academic discussions, and refused visas to notable international speakers who are critical of Israel.

The call comes amid rising criticism of the Israeli regime's war on Gaza among German people. A recent YouGov survey conducted in September reveals that 62 percent of Germans view Israel’s war as “genocidal,” while only 17 percent disagree with that label.

The poll also shows that 67 percent of respondents now hold a negative or somewhat negative opinion of Israel.

Germany has been a staunch supporter of Israel for decades. Its lethal arms exports to the occupied territories have seen a tenfold increase after Israel launched its war on Gaza, making the country an active participant in the genocide in the besieged Palestinian territory.

More than two years of Israeli attacks on Gaza, supported by the US and Western countries, killed above 67,000 Palestinians, leveled large swaths of the territory, and displaced almost all its residents.

Source: Press TV