cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/14275159

In Berlin, police swiftly shut down a pro-Palestine conference just after it kicked off, citing concerns regarding a speaker prohibited from engaging in political activities within Germany.

Although the police didn’t disclose the speaker’s name, attendees of the congress indicated on X that it was Palestinian researcher Salman Abu Sitta.

This development unfolded alongside another incident where British-Palestinian doctor Dr. Ghassan Abu Sittah was refused entry into Germany to participate in the conference.

Short Summary

  1. Pro-Palestine conference in Berlin shut down by police due to concerns about a speaker prohibited from political activities in Germany.
  2. British Palestinian Dr. Ghassan Abu Sitta was also denied entry to Germany for the conference.
  3. Dr. Abu Sitta was questioned for 3.5 hours and informed he would not be allowed to enter Germany for the whole of April.
  4. Concerns about crackdown on free speech, especially in light of the situation in Gaza described by some as a genocide.
  5. Airport authorities cited safety concerns and public order for denying entry to Dr. Abu Sitta.
  6. Berlin Police have taken a firm stance on pro-Palestinian demonstrations since the Gaza conflict began.
  7. Germany is accused of aiding genocide in Gaza due to its military sales to Israel, making it one of Israel’s primary military suppliers.