Berlin police banned Russian and Ukrainian flags from Soviet monuments in the city on May 8 and 9, the 78th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, the press reported today.
In a statement quoted by the EFE news agency, the Berlin police said it was banned “symbol view” around the Soviet memorial monuments of Treptow, Tiergarten and Schönholzer Heide, which draw large numbers of people on these dates each year.
The ban includes Russian and Ukrainian flags, St George’s belts – with black and orange stripes, celebrating Russia’s victory over Nazi Germany and recognizing World War veterans – and uniforms or parts of uniforms [incluindo os modificados].
It is also forbidden to play military songs or marches and “make statements which, given the current situation, serve to approve, glorify or praise the war in Ukraine”.
World War II veterans, diplomats, as well as state representatives and delegations who will participate in commemorative events on behalf of countries directly involved in the liberation of Nazi Germany are exempt from this arrangement.
Gatherings outside the aforementioned places are not subject to any restrictions and in this case the right to freedom of assembly applies, the statement said.
The police stressed that “the remembrance, as well as the respect for these monuments and memorials, must also be preserved” in the context of the war between Russia and Ukraine.
“The worthy commemoration of the fallen soldiers of the then Soviet army, who, together with other armed forces, contributed to the liberation of Germany and the world from the Nazi dictatorship, is in the foreground today”the authorities added.
In this sense, the police pointed out that the current war, especially given this very symbolic date, should not involve Berlin in conflict or dispute.
Source: DN
