In an alarming move, Berlin’s state government is poised to deport four activists linked to pro-Palestinian protests by April 21. This unprecedented action reveals a troubling trend toward authoritarianism in Germany, mirroring tactics seen under former US President Donald Trump. Critics argue that this demonstrates the ruling elite’s willingness to suppress dissent with dictatorial measures and oppressive pro-war policies.
Among the deportees are three EU citizens: Irish citizens Shane O’Brien, 29, and Roberta Murray, 31, along with Polish national Kasia Wlaszczyk, 35. Murray stated, “My life is here, I’m not making any plans for Ireland.” Wlaszczyk expressed concern that deportation would sever his ties to the community he has nurtured since childhood. The situation is particularly dire for Cooper Longbottom, 27, a US citizen who is a transgender individual, facing immense danger if deported.
The activists face a range of accusations tied to protests, including allegedly branding police officers as “fascists” and chanting slogans deemed anti-Semitic. The deportation order hinges on vague police reports without substantive proof of criminal activity. Notably, O’Brien was acquitted in court for a related charge, underscoring the weak legal basis for these deportations.
Typically, the revocation of freedom of movement for EU citizens in Germany is extremely difficult, requiring serious criminal convictions indicating a fundamental societal threat. However, doubts have emerged within the Berlin bureaucracy regarding the legality of these deportations, as highlighted by internal emails expressing concerns about the sufficiency of the justifications.
Lawyer Alexander Gorski condemned the deportations, labelling them a test case for broader repression against immigrants and activists. He warned that these activists are being treated as guinea pigs for a political crackdown that could extend to all forms of dissent. This chilling precedent threatens the future of political activism in Germany, where even unfounded allegations may be enough to justify deportations.
The situation mirrors broader trends in the US, where dissent is criminalised through systemic repression. The ongoing persecution of activists in both countries raises alarms about an impending assault on democratic rights, with the potential to expand to the working class as a whole. Protests now face an oppressive backlash that poses a grim threat to freedom of expression.
To combat the rising tide of deportations and suppression, it is crucial to cultivate a mass political movement within the working class, linking the fight against war, capitalist interests, and the defence of democratic rights.
Berlin’s state government intends to deport four activists linked to pro-Palestinian protests, a controversial move that raises alarms about authoritarianism. The activists, including three EU citizens and one US citizen, face vague accusations without substantial proof. Critics warn this sets a dangerous precedent for political repression and highlights the need for a mass political movement to defend democratic rights against a backdrop of capitalism and war.
The planned deportation of four activists in Berlin highlights a concerning trend towards authoritarian governance, revealing a commitment to suppress dissent through dubious legal means. With the legal basis for these actions being alarmingly tenuous, experts warn that this sets a dangerous precedent for political repression, not only in Germany but reminiscent of broader global patterns of dissent criminalisation. Ultimately, the continued fight against such measures is a call for solidarity and action within the working class to protect democratic rights and oppose the capitalist-driven war agenda.
Original Source: www.wsws.org
