Council of Europe's Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O'Flaherty powerfully criticized the German authorities' actions against pro-Palestinian protests linked to the Gaza War. In a letter to the Minister of the Interior of Germany, Alexander Dobrindt, the Commissioner warns against serious interference in freedom of speech and assembly.
O'Flaherty is peculiarly afraid about reports of police force against demonstrators, including minors, any of whom were injured. He stresses that the usage of force must comply with constitutional principles specified as proportionality, legality and non-discrimination.
"Excessive surveillance"
The Commissioner besides complains that the usage of Arabic and cultural symbols has been restricted in Berlin since February. He besides accuses that demonstrators are repeatedly subjected to arbitrary police checks and sometimes excessive surveillance, both online and on-site.
O'Flaherty besides sees restrictions on freedom of speech outside the public sphere – for example in universities, schools and the cultural sector. He pointed out reports of attempts to deport foreigners due to their participation in protests or political statements on the mediate East conflict.
With respect to anti-Semitism, O'Flaherty warns against misuse of the definition of the global Alliance for Holocaust Memory (IHRA). There is much evidence that the German authorities respect all criticism of the Israeli government as anti-Semitic. This should not lead to suppression of legitimate expression, the Commissioner writes.
