Arrest of hundreds of Palestinian supporters in Germany and France

Germany and France, which have imposed restrictions on anti-Zionist demonstrations, have arrested and fined hundreds of people in recent days for supporting Palestine. Since October 12, France has arrested 43 people on charges of participating in anti-Zionist demonstrations and imposed fines in 827 other cases, according to Reuters. German police arrested at least 190 people. A police spokesman said permission had been given for only two of at least seven demonstrations. Paris and Berlin say the measures are aimed at preventing disruption of public order and combating anti-Semitism.

Germany and France have the largest Muslim and Jewish populations in the European Union. Berlin, the capital of Germany, is home to approximately 30,000 Palestinians, the largest Palestinian community outside West Asia. During his trip to the occupied territories this week, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz declared his country's support for the Zionists and stressed: "Germany has only one place, and that place is next to Israel." In this regard, Hungary and Austria also banned demonstrations in support of Palestine.

Reuters