Germany’s state security unit probes Palestinian flag raised at Reichstag

Berlin police detained three German citizens after a 22-year-old activist climbed a 30-meter flagpole outside the Reichstag and raised a Palestinian flag instead of the German flag. The case was transferred to the state security unit.

Berlin police’s state security unit is investigating an incident outside the Reichstag, where the Bundestag meets. On Sunday, a 22-year-old activist climbed a flagpole about 30 meters high at around 11:15 a.m., threw the German flag to the ground and raised a Palestinian flag in its place.

Secured with safety equipment, the man remained at the top for about an hour and 15 minutes, shouting slogans in support of Palestine, and climbed down on his own at around 12:30 p.m. Police officers and firefighters removed the Palestinian flag using an aerial ladder.

Palestinian flag in front of the Reichstag, with a fire-service aerial ladder below

Three detained

Two accomplices, aged 20 and 32, filmed the incident and livestreamed it on TikTok. All three, who are German citizens, were detained. The group Peacefully against Genocide claimed responsibility for the action. They could face charges of insulting the state and its symbols, damaging property, trespassing and violating the law on public assemblies.

The so-called “Flag of Unity” has flown on the flagpole in front of the Reichstag since 1990 as a monument to German reunification. After temporary repairs, the German flag was raised again. Bundestag President Julia Klöckner called for increased protection of parliament, while Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner described the action as an expression of contempt for democracy.

Photo: dpa