German police use force against female activists at Women's Day rally

During an International Women’s Day march on Saturday, police in Berlin engaged in violent confrontations with female activists participating in a pro-Palestine demonstration, as captured in videos shared online.

Clips shared on X show law enforcement in riot gear using batons and physical force to attempt to disperse the gathering. One video shows officers dragging a female protester, pinning her to the ground, and applying a chokehold.

These images have sparked widespread outrage on social media. Some users condemned the police actions, drawing parallels to practices used by the Nazis during World War II, while others offered sarcastic praise to German authorities for illustrating how women's rights are upheld in the West.

German media coverage of the incident has been sparse. However, Bild reported that a pro-Palestine rally was scheduled to coincide with the Women’s Day march in Kreuzberg. Organizers had requested attendees refrain from displaying national flags, including those of Germany and Israel, but allowed Palestinian flags as a representation of a “revolutionary stance.”

The demonstration at Oranienplatz reportedly remained peaceful initially until some participants began chanting anti-Israel slogans in Arabic, which is prohibited in Berlin.

The police intervened as demonstrators allegedly breached this restriction, leading to a confrontation, according to Bild. As tensions rose, protesters reportedly threw bottles and clashed with officers, resulting in injuries to at least one officer. The Berlin police confirmed 28 detentions, asserting that the use of force was necessary in response to what they described as violent actions by some protesters.

In the previous month, Berlin authorities implemented restrictions on Arabic-language chants and speeches at demonstrations due to “public security” concerns. Local reports indicated that protest organizers are now required to ensure all speeches, music, and chants are conducted in either German or English. However, local officials have not moved to outright ban pro-Palestinian and anti-Israeli rallies, with Berlin's police chief, Barbara Slowik, emphasizing that freedom of assembly is fundamental to Germany's democracy.

Over the past year and a quarter, pro-Palestine demonstrations have proliferated globally, initially in response to Israel’s military action in Gaza and, subsequently, in support of Gaza’s reconstruction efforts following a ceasefire.

Alejandro Jose Martinez contributed to this report for TROIB News