You Can't Say 'Free Palestine' in Germany Without Getting Arrested

Palestinian activist Abed Darwish (Abu Ibrahim) was arrested and detained for several hours by Berlin police following his participation in a June 5 demonstration calling for an end to the blockade on the Gaza Strip, according to a post on his official Facebook page.

Mr. Darwish, a respected leader and well-known activist within Berlin's Palestinian community, was reportedly detained on charges of "insulting Jews"-a claim he and supporters describe as unfounded and part of a broader crackdown on pro-Palestinian voices in Germany.

Following his release, Mr. Darwish announced plans to file a legal complaint with a German court. He denounced the detention as arbitrary and emphasized his right to free expression in defending the Palestinian cause. He also called for the charges to be dropped and demanded that false accusations made against him be retracted.

Crackdown on Pro-Palestinian Expression

According to DPA International, Germany's Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger condemned a letter signed by approximately 100 educators at Berlin universities in support of pro-Palestinian demonstrators. She accused both students and staff of inciting hatred against Israel and Jews.

Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) echoed these sentiments, telling Bild newspaper, "I have absolutely no sympathy for the authors of the letter." Despite being from different political parties, Wegner and Stark-Watzinger presented a unified front in condemning pro-Palestinian academic expression.

However, this conflation of criticism of Israel with antisemitism has drawn concern from activists and civil rights defenders. The frequent suppression of pro-Palestinian voices raises serious questions about Germany's commitment to free expression, particularly when it concerns foreign policy and human rights violations in Gaza.

Suppression of Slogans and Symbols

In March 2025, German police arrested an American student in Berlin for sharing the slogan "From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be free" on social media. Authorities later raided homes and interrogated 45 students across 11 states. Thirty-seven individuals previously investigated were reportedly re-searched and questioned again.

The chant has been banned in several German states, including Bavaria and Berlin, which claim it is antisemitic. However, many human rights activists argue the slogan calls for equality and justice for Palestinians, not violence or hatred.

Germany has banned numerous pro-Palestinian events in recent months, including peaceful rallies, cultural displays, and even Jewish-led pro-Palestinian gatherings. In April 2024, German authorities canceled a conference organized by Jewish Voice for Peace in the Middle East, and arrested a board member despite the group's nonviolent advocacy.

Key Facts Highlighting German Policy Toward Palestine:

• Germany provided political cover for Israel's military campaign in Gaza, even as global calls for a ceasefire increased.
• Germany justified attacks on civilians under the banner of "self-defense," despite widespread civilian casualties.
• Germany blocked diplomatic ceasefire efforts, allowing Israel to continue its bombardment of Gaza.
• Germany refused to act on international arrest warrants against Israeli officials accused of war crimes.
• Germany rejected South Africa's ICJ genocide case, calling it "baseless"-despite the court agreeing to hear the case.
• Germany approved over €400 million in arms exports to Israel in 2023, becoming the second-largest supplier of major weapons to Israel.
• Germany is the only country where Palestinian citizenship applicants must declare support for the Israeli occupation to obtain a passport.

Germany has uniquely banned:

1. The inverted red triangle used in pro-Palestinian art.
2. The keffiyeh (Palestinian scarf) in schools, citing disruption to "school peace."
3. The chant "From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be free."
4. Public display of the Palestinian flag.
5. Pro-Palestinian Jewish events, even those organized by Jewish citizens or Israelis.

Germany continues to enforce some of the harshest restrictions on Palestine solidarity in Europe. It's ironic-and tragic-that a nation which claims to have learned from its historical atrocities is now persecuting those who protest war crimes and ethnic cleansing in another context.

A Final Thought: Watermelons and Symbolism

As symbolic resistance grows, one might wonder: Will Germany next ban sliced watermelon in grocery stores? The fruit-red, green, white, and black like the Palestinian flag-has become an artistic and protest symbol representing Palestinian resilience and identity. If such absurd censorship continues, this wouldn't be far-fetched.

Germany must reflect on its stance. True remembrance of history means never allowing another people to be oppressed, regardless of political alliances. The world is watching.

Mahmoud El-Youseph is a Palestinian freelance writer and retired U.S. Air Force veteran.
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