A number of demonstrations and protests took place in Berlin on the occasion of the International Women’s Day, with some incidents of violence breaking out between protesters and police. Two left-wing to radical left-wing demonstrations began in the afternoon at the Oranienplatz and Spreewaldplatz in Kreuzberg, proclaiming an “International Feminist Fight Day” and joined by several pro-Palestinian groups.
Videos on a social media platform show police officers advancing on people at the edge of a demonstration, seemingly to push them back. It is clear that the police also struck the faces and upper bodies of passersby.
Another video shows police officers arresting a woman, with one officer holding her by the throat and another fixing her hands on the back. Onlookers demand that the officer release the woman’s throat and a man shouts, “Don’t overdo it!” The police officer holding the woman’s throat is also heard shouting, “Stop resisting!”
In further videos, the woman is seen being dragged away, with a brief moment of being pulled across the street. The reason for the arrest is currently unknown, as is the extent of any injuries.
The Berlin Police published a balance on the protests on the following Sunday afternoon, stating that the ten announced gatherings were accompanied by 850 police officers. The majority of the events proceeded peacefully, the authorities said, but there were also instances of “disturbances and police measures.”
Approximately 2,500 people participated in the “Feminist Fight Day” demonstration, with police reports indicating several law violations, including masking, the use of pyrotechnics and hindering police measures. Several people were arrested, some for using unconstitutional symbols.
The “International Feminist Fight Day” demonstration began in the afternoon with around 3,000 participants. In the lead-up, a strongly emotionalized pro-Palestinian block was expected. According to the police, several “anti-Israel” slogans were chanted at the event and when several people were arrested in response, the situation escalated, with violent outbursts occurring. The deployment of force saw the police confronted with thrown objects, punches and kicks and they responded with physical coercion and pepper spray.
In the evening, around 100 people attempted to prevent arrests and gain access to a fire station where two of the demonstrators were being held. The police then used physical coercion and pepper spray to regain control of the situation, according to their own account.