The Office for the Protection of the Constitution warns against pro-Palestinian demonstrations on the anniversary of the Hamas attack

The Hamburg Office for the Protection of the Constitution warns against a pro-Palestinian demonstration planned on the anniversary of the terrorist attack on Israel by the radical Islamic Hamas. The event on October 7th at the main train station under the motto “Three Years of Genocide” is being advertised by “Thawra Hamburg”, among others. The group is being monitored as a suspected extremist case by the State Office for the Protection of the Constitution (LfV).

There are indications that the event is not just an expression of political opinion, but rather takes place in a context “that is likely to relativize, condone or ideologically support violence against Israel,” according to the statement.

Warning against relativizing terrorist violence

Criticism of Israel's policies is fundamentally protected by freedom of expression and assembly. However, this limit is exceeded "where terrorist violence is relativized, approved or supported by propaganda or where slogans and references are used in a context that is directed against the peaceful coexistence of peoples."

October 7th represents the inhumane attack by Hamas terrorists on civilians in Israel, explained State Office Chief Torsten Voß. “The choice of this date for demonstrations promoting the freedom of Palestine and the Intifada goes beyond mere solidarity with the Palestinians. It is a sign that one approves and supports the killing and mistreatment of defenseless people.”