In a startling turn of events, the Berlin Senate has issued deportation orders against four local residents tied to pro-Palestine demonstrations, each facing expulsion within a month without a criminal conviction. This situation has garnered attention as three of the activists hail from EU nations—Shane O’Brien and Roberta Murray from Ireland, and Kasia Wlaszczyk from Poland. Cooper Longbottom, an American citizen, rounds out the group, with Wlaszczyk and Longbottom identifying as trans individuals.
The basis for these deportation orders lies in German migration law, which permits such actions without needing a criminal record. The accusations against the activists include their participation in protests like a massive sit-in at Berlin Hauptbahnhof, a roadblock, and the occupation of a building at Free University in late 2024. Allegedly minor charges, such as calling a police officer a fascist and chanting banned slogans, fuel the orders, although specific antisemitic content remains unspecified in police reports.
Intriguingly, there are signs of dissent within the Berlin Senate itself regarding this decision. An immigration agency employee reportedly questioned the legitimacy of revoking EU citizens’ freedom of movement; however, their objections were ultimately dismissed. Each of the four residents now faces a legal path forward, as their lawyers have filed formal appeals challenging the legality of these deportation orders.
Four Berlin residents have been issued deportation orders due to their involvement in pro-Palestine demonstrations, despite not having criminal convictions. Among them are EU citizens Shane O’Brien, Roberta Murray, and Kasia Wlaszczyk, alongside US citizen Cooper Longbottom. The deportations have sparked internal objections from within Berlin’s Senate, and legal appeals have been filed.
The situation surrounding the deportation orders highlights significant legal and political implications in Germany, particularly regarding the treatment of activists and the enforcement of migration laws. With growing opposition from within the Senate and formal legal appeals underway, the outcome remains uncertain, raising vital questions about freedom of movement and political expression in times of unrest.
Original Source: www.the-berliner.com
