On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, the Humboldt University in Berlin witnessed a significant protest as pro-Palestinian activists occupied the Emil Fischer lecture hall. This incident unfolded around 14:00, when approximately 100 individuals entered the lecture hall, reportedly vandalizing the walls and furniture within the space. The protestors, who identified themselves as supporters of Palestine, expressed their dissent against what they termed the "relentless support for Israel's violation of international law in Palestine." They also aimed to raise awareness about the impending deportation of four activists involved in previous pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
According to police reports, red triangles, symbols associated with the Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas, were sprayed on the walls, alongside slogans such as "Glory to the Resistance," which glorified the actions of terrorists. In addition, banners were hung from the windows, with messages that have been described as inciting hatred and denying Israel's right to exist.
Around 30 supporters of the occupation gathered outside the university, chanting slogans and being incited by those occupying the lecture hall. The situation escalated, prompting a significant police response. By 14:10, approximately 300 police officers had been dispatched to the scene, with reinforcements continuously called in as the situation developed. The police reported that by the end of the day, they had led around 60 people out of the building, establishing their identities and initiating criminal investigations against them for trespassing and property damage.
As tensions rose, the university administration, led by President Julia von Blumenthal, decided to request the police to clear the building. In a statement to the media, von Blumenthal emphasized that the occupation crossed a "red line" due to the documented property damage and the use of violent slogans. She remarked, "We could see immediately that property damage was being committed. The banners denied Israel's right to exist and glorified violence. Therefore, we quickly decided that clearing the building was the only appropriate course of action."
The police operation continued into the evening, with officers methodically removing the occupiers from the lecture hall. By approximately 18:30, 26 individuals had been escorted out, with one person reportedly resisting arrest and requiring medical attention. The police utilized battering rams to access the building, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
In the aftermath of the occupation, various political figures expressed their concerns regarding the implications of such protests. Martin Matz, an interior expert from the Social Democratic Party (SPD), described the actions as an "open attack on Jewish life in our city," while fellow SPD member Alexander Freier-Winterwerb echoed these sentiments, stating that the use of Hamas symbols indicated the protestors' alignment with terrorist sympathizers.
As the police began to clear the area, they encountered resistance from some demonstrators, leading to confrontations. Reports indicated that several individuals were arrested for displaying symbols of terrorist organizations and inciting violence against law enforcement. The police had to employ physical measures to prevent additional protestors from entering the building, demonstrating the volatile nature of the situation.
Images circulating on social media depicted the extent of the vandalism inside the lecture hall, including anti-Semitic graffiti and slogans such as "Yallah Intifada" and "Zionists are fascists." The incident has sparked widespread debate about the boundaries of protest and the implications of such actions on community relations within Berlin.
Beyond the immediate events at Humboldt University, the occupation is believed to be linked to the planned deportation of four activists who participated in previous protests. The Berlin Administrative Court recently halted these deportations, citing that the activists had not been convicted of any crimes, despite allegations of threatening university staff during a prior protest at the Free University of Berlin.
The university's decision to involve law enforcement has raised questions about the balance between free expression and public safety. As protests continue to unfold across Germany and beyond, the Humboldt University incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding political activism, especially in relation to sensitive international issues.
In light of the events, the Humboldt University administration has reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment. The university's spokesperson stated, "We will not tolerate actions that glorify violence or undermine the dignity of any group within our community." As investigations proceed, the university and local authorities are likely to face ongoing scrutiny regarding their responses to protests and the protection of civil liberties.
This incident at Humboldt University is part of a broader trend of escalating protests related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, raising critical questions about the role of academic institutions in facilitating dialogue and managing dissent. As tensions remain high, the university community and the city of Berlin grapple with the aftermath of this occupation and its implications for future activism.
