UN experts on Thursday voiced concern over Germany’s policing of pro-Palestine demonstrations and “suppression” of Palestine solidarity activism, which they said has become increasingly restrictive since October 2023.

Four Special Rapporteurs and two independent legal experts observed that, despite the peaceful nature of most pro-Palestine demonstrations, Germany has been “criminalising, punishing, and suppressing legitimate Palestinian solidarity activism.” The experts noted that protestors’ demands have been “legitimate,” including calls for “halting arms exports to Israel, ending the genocide and the Israeli illegal occupation, ensuring humanitarian aid access to Gaza, the recognition of the State of Palestine, and accountability” for international crimes.

Experts warned about the reasoning German authorities have utilized to crack down on the protests. They observed that “Germany often invokes broad justifications on grounds of security, public safety, prevention of antisemitism, or banning support for terrorist organisations.” Other reported restrictions include “unjustified bans…excessive use of police force and arbitrary detentions, including of minors,” and “forced detentions.”

In April, Germany issued deportation orders to two Irish citizens for their involvement in pro-Palestine protests. A US citizen also had their student visa revoked for participating in demonstrations.

The UN experts called on Germany to uphold its human rights obligations, including the rights to peaceful assembly, and called the reported deportations an alarming “misuse of immigration law.” The experts confirmed their contact with the German government and reiterated that the country “must support, not suppress, actions aiming to stop atrocity crimes and genocide… No circumstances can justify unnecessary excessive police violence…for exercising fundamental freedoms.”

Freedom of assembly and of association are protected rights under Article 12 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.  Many countries have seen aggressive policing of pro-Palestine protests, including the UK and the US.