A severe assault on a police officer during "Nakba Day" protests in Berlin last Thursday has sparked outrage across Germany's political spectrum. The incident, which occurred in the Kreuzberg district, saw a mob of anti-Israel demonstrators drag an officer into the crowd, trample him, and leave him critically injured. Leaders of Germany's new coalition government are now calling for the deportation of foreign nationals involved in the riots.
The officer was pulled into the crowd and knocked to the ground, according to Berlin police spokesperson Florian Naat, who spoke to the German news agencies. Emergency responders administered initial treatment, including the use of a defibrillator, before rushing the officer to a hospital in serious condition. Several other officers sustained injuries, with at least one diagnosed with a broken hand. Approximately 30 protesters were detained during the clashes.
Alexander Throm (56), a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and spokesperson for internal affairs in the Bundestag, condemned the attackers as "pro-Palestinian thugs" and demanded their expulsion if they are foreign nationals. In an interview with Bild, Throm stated, "Police officers represent our state. Those who attack them express contempt for our country. Foreigners who do so jeopardize their right to remain in Germany."
Eine Gruppe Polizisten läuft in die Nakba-Day-Demo in Berlin hinein – schubsend, prügelnd, um sich schlagend. Ganz vorne mit dabei: Polizist BE24111. Schwere Verletzungen erhaltend, laut Polizeibericht. Doch die Bilder zeigen etwas anderes. #nakba77 #b1505pic.twitter.com/V2SYk3Vrgs
— kater hofmann 😼 🛸🚴🏼 (@KaterHofmann) May 18, 2025
Throm referenced the coalition agreement that formed the current government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, noting that it mandates permanent deportation for crimes carrying prison sentences or those motivated by antisemitism. "This means revoking residency rights – no ifs, no buts," he said. He added that the CDU and Social Democratic Party (SPD) have agreed to impose harsher penalties for assaults on police and emergency personnel, emphasizing, "We must finally respond to such criminals with the full force of the law and unwavering resolve."
Witnesses reported hearing chants during the protest such as "Israel, child murderer," "Yalla, yalla intifada," and "From the river to the sea." Protesters also hurled cans, bottles, and other objects at police, with some officers sprayed with red paint.
Felix Klein (57), Germany's federal commissioner for Jewish life and the fight against antisemitism, joined the calls for action. "The massive antisemitic incitement, the creation of an extremely violent atmosphere, and the displays of force in public spaces by so-called 'pro-Palestinian' groups constitute an unacceptable abuse of fundamental democratic rights, which I condemn in the strongest terms," Klein said.
He continued, "This antisemitic incitement helps no one in the Gaza Strip and harms the legitimate concerns of Palestinians. The perpetrators must now be swiftly identified and held accountable."
The incident has intensified debates over public safety and immigration policies in Germany, with the coalition vowing to crack down on violence and hate speech at demonstrations.
