Palestine supporters unhappy as France, Germany crack down on protests

On October 13, thousands of people demonstrated in favour of the Palestinians around the world, yet all such demonstrations were prohibited in Germany and France.

The two nations, which are home to the largest Jewish and Muslim populations in the European Union, have cracked down on pro-Palestinian organisations ever since Hamas militants crossed the border from Gaza on October 7 and killed more than 1,400 Israelis.

The governments claim that the limits are necessary to end public commotion and stop anti-Semitism.

However, pro-Palestinian activists claim they feel unable to publicly show their concern or support for those living in Gaza, which is ruled by Hamas, without running the risk of being detained or having their employment or visa status jeopardised.

Since Israel began its campaign of retaliatory bombardment, more than 3,500 people have died in Gaza, and a blockade that limits the entry of food, fuel, and medical supplies has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis.

“We are scared, we are worried about being accused of justifying terrorism, when we just want to support a humanitarian cause,” said Messika Medjoub a 20-year-old French-Algerian history student.

She was speaking last Thursday during an unlawful rally in Paris that police dispersed with tear gas and water cannon.

Last week, pro-Palestinian demonstrations were outlawed nationwide due to the potential for civil unrest, according to French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin. Since October 7th, nine have been forbidden in Paris.

The “presence and circulation of people that present themselves as pro-Palestinian” are prohibited, according to a statement from Paris police over the weekend. They have made 43 arrests and issued 752 fines since October 12.

Since the initial Hamas attacks, the Berlin police in Germany have granted permission for two pro-Palestine demonstrations, according to a police spokesperson. Both were suggested to be quiet vigils.

However, at least seven organisations, including Jewish Berliners Against Middle Eastern Violence and Youth Against Racism, received a refusal. At least 190 people have been arrested during demonstrations.

Since the attacks by Hamas, which is classified as a terrorist organisation by the EU and numerous nations, antisemitic violence has increased, according to the French and German governments, who claim they must defend Jewish populations.

Due to the Nazis’ extermination of six million European Jews during the Holocaust, the problem is particularly acute in Germany.

“Our history, our responsibility for the Holocaust makes it our duty in every moment to stand for the existence and security of Israel,” Chancellor Olaf Scholz told legislators last week.

Darmanin said on Tuesday that 327 antisemitic acts had taken place in France since Oct. 7, with 183 arrests for antisemitism or apologising for terrorism.

Human rights groups say Jewish communities must be protected but they are are concerned legitimate protest is being repressed.

“Human rights law doesn’t allow the government to just broadly say there is a concern about violence and use that as a justification to ban protests,” said Benjamin Ward, a deputy director at Human Rights Watch.

“The question is whether it’s proportionate – and that’s where I think there is a concern.”

Hungary and Austria have also blocked pro-Palestine protests since Oct.7, while in the rest of Europe large rallies supporting Palestinians have been held with few restrictions.

(With agency inputs)