In Berlin, around 500 protesters rallied outside the House of Representatives to support four anti-genocide activists at risk of deportation. Despite no criminal convictions, these activists, including three EU citizens and one American, face forced removal by April 21. Concurrently, the Interior Affairs Committee convened, led by SPD Interior Affairs Senator Iris Spranger.
The protest was themed “You can’t deport a movement—Stop all deportations! Defend the Berlin4!” and was organised by various pro-Palestinian groups such as IJAN, the Irish Bloc Berlin, and Sozialismus von unten. Many speakers conveyed solidarity for the activists under threat, including Shane O’Brien, who condemned German government support for Israel amidst ongoing violence in Gaza, stating, “Since Israel broke the ceasefire… they’ve murdered 500 children with the full support and backing of the German government.”
O’Brien characterised the deportation order as a mere attempt to intimidate those speaking out against genocide. Katja Rippert from IYSSE urged a coordinated international campaign to protect the activists, highlighting their struggle as emblematic of a broader attack on free speech and human rights.
Rippert drew historical parallels to the 1933 Nazi deportations, emphasising that dehumanising practices are still being perpetuated today, as echoed in a 92-year retrospective on brutal political suppression. She shared that German elites and authorities are fostering a police state, asserting that true resistance must come from an empowered working class rather than reliance on governmental appeal.
The rally also featured speakers affected by the violence in Gaza, including Ramsis Kalil, whose family suffered losses from previous air strikes. The attendees commemorated journalists killed in the conflict, highlighting the critical role of media in raising awareness of such injustices.
Rachel Shapiro from IJAN, also a descendent of Holocaust survivors, voiced chilling concerns over the contemporary state’s actions, drawing connections to past atrocities faced by her ancestry. She stressed the need for Jewish solidarity against both the Israeli regime and German policies.
An anonymous stateless Palestinian echoed concerns about increasing reprisals against pro-Palestinian advocates, demonstrating a shared sentiment that every deportation action should be met with collective protest. He implored journalists to fulfil their vital responsibility by amplifying the truth from both Berlin and Gaza, urging continued action against oppressive deportations.
Approximately 500 demonstrators in Berlin rallied against the deportation of four anti-genocide activists, condemning government support for Israel amidst ongoing violence in Gaza. The protest, led by various pro-Palestinian organisations, highlighted parallels to Nazi persecution and called for a united working-class response. Speeches underscored the historical significance of resisting deportations and injustice, reinforcing the urgent need for solidarity in the fight against genocide.
In conclusion, the Berlin protest against the deportation of the four anti-genocide activists unveils a crucial tension between government authority and civil rights. Esteemed speakers each expressed grave concerns about the international implications of repression, calling for solidarity and mobilization from the working class. Historical parallels to Nazi Germany accentuate the urgency of these protests. The fight against genocide, for free speech, and against deportations forms a powerful collective narrative that aims to awaken global awareness.
Original Source: www.wsws.org
