June 19, 2025
Council of Europe expressed concern over Germany’s Gaza protests
For human rights, Europe Commissioner Michael O’ -Flaherti expressed concern for the freedom of expression in Germany and freedom of peaceful gathering on protests related to war in Gaza for German internal minister Alexander Dobrend.
One in Letter dated on June 6 but made public on ThursdayHe cited police reports using excessive force against protesters, including minors.
He wrote, “The use of force by the law enforcement officers involved during the protests should comply with the principles of non-discrimination, validity, need and proportionality,” he wrote.
O’eflaherty noted the restrictions on events, symbols, or other forms of expression in this context.
Hey said that governments have a very limited basis for restricting political speech or public debate, as long as it provokes violence, and should assess each case.
The Human Rights Commissioner indicated the reports that Germany justified some restrictions on rights as part of the attempt to prevent antisemitism.
“I note with reports of anxiety that it shows that the working definition of Antismitism of the International Holocaust Remember Alliance (IHA) has been explained by German authorities in ways by German authorities that carry an empty classification of Israel’s criticism as an antisemitic,” said. “He said.
“In that regard, I urge you that the ISA working definition is not wrong to distorted, instructed or incorrectly criticize freedom of expression and legitimate, including the state of Israel.”
DW has requested the comment from Dobrend and will update the story if any response is received.
The Council of Europe is a Strassburg-based international human rights organization that protects the rule of human rights, democracy and law. It is not part of the European Union.
