The Council of Europe’s Human Rights Commissioner has raisedconcerns that German authorities have curtailed the use of Arabic language andcultural symbols during Gaza protests and have allegedly used excessive forceagainst demonstrators.
The Human Rights Commissioner of the Council of Europe,Michael O'Flaherty, has expressed serious concerns regarding the conduct ofGerman authorities in response to pro-Gaza demonstrations. In a letteraddressed to the German Interior Minister, Alexander Dobrindt, O'Flahertyhighlighted what he perceives as infringements on freedom of expression and theright to peaceful assembly.
“Since February 2025, Berlin authorities have imposedrestrictions on the use of the Arabic language and cultural symbols duringprotests. In certain instances, such as the demonstration held on 15 May 2025,marches were limited to static gatherings. Additionally, protestors havereportedly been subjected to intrusive surveillance—both online and inperson—and arbitrary police checks,” O’Flaherty stated.
The Commissioner also raised alarm over reports ofdisproportionate police violence during these events.
“I am deeply concerned by allegations of excessive forceused by police against demonstrators, including minors, which in some cases ledto injuries. The use of force by law enforcement must adhere to the principlesof non-discrimination, legality, necessity, proportionality, and precaution,”he said.
O'Flaherty has urged the German authorities to thoroughlyinvestigate incidents of excessive force and to hold officers accountable wheremisconduct is found. He noted that police efforts to suppress Nakba Daycommemorations—a remembrance of the 1948 displacement of Palestinians—wereespecially troubling.
The Irish human rights advocate further pointed out thatfreedom of speech appears to be restricted within some German universities andcultural institutions. He cited reports of foreign nationals facing deportationfollowing their involvement in pro-Gaza activities.
“I am concerned by indications that the working definitionof antisemitism adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance(IHRA) is being interpreted by some German authorities in a manner that equatesany criticism of Israel with antisemitism,” O’Flaherty wrote.
Tensions have run high in Germany since the beginning of theGaza conflict, with frequent clashes at pro-Palestinian rallies. During theNakba protest in mid-May, demonstrators were heard chanting slogans such as“From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”—phrasing consideredantisemitic under German law. The event saw several injuries as confrontationsescalated.
In April, five students were arrested during aprotest at Humboldt University for chanting anti-Israeli slogans. German policehave also taken action against demonstrators displaying banned symbols,including altered Hamas slogans.
