In a bold move against international residents, the Berlin Senate is seeking to deport four individuals—three European citizens and one other—due to their involvement in pro-Palestine protests. None of these activists, namely Cooper Longbottom, Kasia Wlaszczyk, Shane O’Brien, and Roberta Murray, have faced criminal charges. The allegations levelled against them lack substantial evidence, marking a clear instance of political repression by the German state.
This situation, described as an authoritarian assault on democratic freedoms, sees Berlin’s Senator for the Interior, Iris Spranger, and the Senate Department for the Interior and Sport leading the unjust deportation efforts alongside the State Office for Immigration. Recent internal documents expose the political motivations behind these actions, ignored despite warnings regarding the absence of criminal convictions or threats to public order.
Critically, the notion that underpins these deportations—”Staatsräson”—is being misused as a political doctrine to strip dissenters of their constitutional rights. This concept, devoid of legal merit, is weaponised to target those resisting genocide, particularly migrants and activists who stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
This troubling trend isn’t an isolated incident; instead, it reflects a wider crackdown on Palestine solidarity movements within Germany. The plight of these activists highlights a disturbing tactic, reminiscent of far-right strategies, aimed at silencing political dissent.
In response, we unequivocally reject these acts of solidarity criminalisation, racist deportations, and authoritarian governance. The immediate cancellation of deportation orders concerning Longbottom, Wlaszczyk, O’Brien, and Murray is essential, as is accountability for those perpetrating these unconstitutional actions. We remain steadfast in our support for all those opposing imperialism, genocide, and state repression.
The Berlin Senate is attempting to deport four activists due to their participation in pro-Palestine protests, despite the absence of criminal convictions. This effort, led by Senator Iris Spranger, is described as a politically motivated attack on democratic rights, leveraging the controversial doctrine of “Staatsräson” to undermine dissent. The situation highlights a troubling trend of silencing political activism in Germany, particularly concerning the Palestine solidarity movement.
In summary, the Berlin Senate’s pursuit of deportations against four activists under unfounded claims reflects a broader trend of political repression and silencing dissent in Germany. By invoking the dubious concept of “Staatsräson,” the authorities undermine constitutional rights, targeting those who stand in solidarity with the Palestinian cause. This situation calls for immediate action to halt these deportations and to hold accountable those responsible for these unjust practices, reaffirming the commitment to fundamental democratic principles.
Original Source: diem25.org
