Germany moves to deport activists advocating for Palestinian rights
Four activists say they are being targeted for their support of Palestinian right to self-determination
BERLIN, Germany (MNTV) — Four pro-Palestine activists in Germany say they are facing deportation due to their political views, drawing parallels to the crackdown on student protesters in the United States.
The activists—originally from Ireland, Poland, and the U.S.—have been issued deportation orders by the Berlin authorities, who accuse them of “anti-Semitism” and supporting Hamas or its alleged front organizations in Europe.
The activists deny these claims, stating that their only involvement has been peaceful protest against Germany’s support for Israel.
They argue that their deportation is part of a broader campaign to silence pro-Palestinian voices in Germany, a country where support for Israel is a key political priority.
Palestinian and Muslim activists in Germany have long reported suppression of their speech, with authorities frequently banning protests, shutting down organizations, and restricting residency rights.
The activists said Germany is now “weaponizing migration law” against those who stand in solidarity with Palestine.
The deportation orders reportedly cite protests at Berlin’s Free University in October, where masked demonstrators attempted to occupy a building.
While German media described the event as violent, activists maintain that pro-Palestinian protests are often misrepresented or unfairly linked to extremism.
The German government has intensified its crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism following Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
In recent months, Berlin has banned organizations accused of alleged links to Hamas, citing security concerns.
However, critics say these measures disproportionately target Palestinian, Muslim, and Arab communities, effectively criminalizing solidarity with Palestine.
The case has drawn comparisons to the United States, where the administration of former President Donald Trump revoked student visas and arrested protest leaders, including former Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil.
Pro-Israel groups in the U.S. have lobbied authorities to take action against demonstrators, mirroring efforts in Germany to curtail Palestinian activism.
Meanwhile, Germany’s incoming government, led by Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz, appears set to further entrench the country’s pro-Israel stance.
His party has proposed making recognition of Israel’s right to exist a prerequisite for obtaining German citizenship—a move seen by critics as a political litmus test that could disproportionately affect Palestinians and their allies.
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