Global Protests Erupt in Solidarity with Palestine as German Police Intensify Crackdown

German police have cracked down on pro-Palestine rallies in Berlin, raising concerns about the infringement of democratic rights and freedom of speech. While some protests have been permitted in recent weeks, police have confiscated signs and banners deemed to be anti-Semitic or inciting violence. Critics argue that the police's discretionary powers resemble those of an authoritarian regime and that their actions have a chilling effect on public expression. Legal experts emphasize the importance of context in determining the legality of signs and slogans, and stress the need to prioritize freedom of assembly and give protesters the benefit of the doubt. Calls to change laws and restrict the rights of certain groups have sparked concerns about discriminatory policies and threats to democracy.