Activists brave Berlin's police despite last-minute ban on Gaza protest

Chants of “Free, free Palestine” and “Viva Palestine” echoed through Berlin’s Mitte district on Tuesday evening as protestors took to the streets to stand in solidarity with Palestinians on the second anniversary of Israel’s genocide in Gaza. 

On the second anniversary of the war, the crowd was peaceful, but was met with police violence. Dozens of protesters were dragged away by officers who forced them into vans where they were placed under arrest. 

Despite being scheduled in advance and approved by Berlin’s government, the city implemented a last-minute ban without providing an explanation. 

As protesters were removed from the crowd by the police, others remained, shouting “We will not be silenced” - words that pro-Palestinian activists in Berlin have shouted countless times over the last two years. 

Berlin is at the heart of Europe’s movement for Palestinians, with thousands of protests, demonstrations and fundraisers taking place and large groups gathering every weekend.

Read more: Activists brave Berlin's police despite last-minute ban on Gaza protest