In a striking development, two Irish citizens in Berlin, Bert Murray and Shane O’Brien, have been handed deportation orders, demanding their departure from Germany before April 21. This action follows their participation in protests supporting the Palestinian cause amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Confirming the orders, a spokesperson for the Berlin Senate revealed that these notifications were issued in March.
Murray and O’Brien, actively involved in pro-Palestinian demonstrations since October 2023, have stirred legal concerns regarding civil liberties within the EU. Legal experts have questioned these deportation orders, highlighting that neither individual has faced criminal charges or convictions in Germany, raising significant issues about the treatment of EU citizens.
Alongside two other protest participants – US citizen Cooper Longbottom and Polish national Kasia Wlaszczyk – the pair received these orders under German migration law, despite EU citizens traditionally enjoying the right to free movement within member states. Alexander Gorski, their attorney, vehemently condemned the orders, labelling the allegations as baseless and indicating an overreach by Berlin authorities.
Murray settled in Berlin in May 2022, pursuing a career as an artist and cafe worker, while O’Brien, fluent in German, has worked as a software engineer for several years. Both individuals reside in Neukölln, a neighbourhood noted for its vibrant Middle Eastern community, where protests against Israel’s Gaza actions ignited. O’Brien also volunteered as a steward during these demonstrations, aiming to maintain crowd control and de-escalate tensions.
A notable incident occurred in October 2024, when O’Brien suffered a broken nose following an encounter with police during a protest. On the other hand, Murray, who attended multiple rallies, was previously issued police notices for wearing a T-shirt with an altered phrase linked to a controversial slogan.
The deportation papers have alluded to the October 7 Hamas strike on Israel, implying that the Irish citizens’ protest participation might indirectly support Hamas activity across Europe. However, both Murray and O’Brien have firmly rejected these assumptions. “I refute all the accusations against me,” stated Murray, while O’Brien dismissed inherent anti-Semitism allegations as “morally bankrupt.”
Thomas Oberhäuser, a migration law expert, indicated that while authorities have the capability to enact deportation orders without convictions, the critical issue revolves around the justification of such actions. He cautioned, “If someone is expelled merely for their political beliefs, that constitutes a massive overreach.”
Two Irish citizens in Berlin, Bert Murray and Shane O’Brien, face deportation orders due to their participation in pro-Palestinian protests amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. Legal experts argue this infringes on EU civil liberties as no criminal charges have been proven against them. Their attorney has condemned the orders, calling them unfounded and overreaching. The situation highlights significant issues regarding political expression and the rights of EU citizens in Germany.
The case involving Bert Murray and Shane O’Brien raises serious questions about civil liberties and the treatment of EU citizens in Germany. The issuance of deportation orders for their participation in pro-Palestinian protests reflects potential overreach by authorities, especially as no criminal charges have been proven against them. The legal opinions presented underline the complexity of balancing migration laws with individual freedoms, leaving the outcome of this situation poised on a precipice of public scrutiny and legal contestation. As challenges against these deportation orders unfold, the discourse surrounding political rights and freedom of expression continues to gain prominence.
Original Source: www.irishstar.com
