Strict restrictions will be in place during the reported demonstrations in Berlin on May 8 and 9. It will prohibit, among other things, uniforms and parts of military uniforms, marches and anthems, and the presentation of the letter “Z” as an expression of support for Russia’s aggressive war. It will be forbidden to hang Russian or Ukrainian flags on 15 memorial sites and monuments.

Ambassador of Ukraine: “We were shocked”

The Ukrainian ambassador, Andriy Melnyk, reacts to the ban on the Ukrainian flag. “We are surprised that the Berlin police have banned the use of the flag in the context of Ukraine on May 8 and 9,” said Melnyk late Friday (6.5.2022) of the RND editorial network. This is – as he adds – “a cheek to Ukraine and a blow to the face of the Ukrainian nation.”

On Twitter, she called on the mayor of Berlin, Francesca Giffey, to reverse the “scandalous decision”.

Berlin: only 15 places

Following Melnyk’s reaction, the administration of the Berlin Senate explained that the Ukrainian flag is generally permitted in public places on Sundays and Mondays in Berlin. The restrictions imposed by the police concern 15 selected memorial sites and are intended to allow for “peaceful, dignified memorials,” the Senate Home Affairs Department announced on Saturday, May 7.

On this memorial site, “no flags or military symbols may be used.” World War II veterans and their ambassadors and delegates were released. As noted, the Berlin police will also ensure that during pro-Russian events “even off-site memorials” there is no public support for an aggressive war with Ukraine.

“Prevent Any Confrontation”

Around 50 events related to the 77th anniversary of the end of World War II were reported in Berlin. During this time, three Soviet monuments and other “objects of importance” will be specially protected, Berlin’s interior senator, Iris Spranger, said days ago.

Basically, as the Department of the Interior of the Berlin Senate underlined, the anniversary of May 8 and 9, 1945, liberation from National Socialism, should be “clearly separated” from the May situation this year. At the memorial site where Russian and Ukrainian soldiers are buried, “every confrontation must be prevented.”

On Sunday and Monday, about 3,400 officers will guard security during demonstrations in the German capital.

On May 8, 1945, Germany signed the unconditional surrender. In Russia, on the other hand, traditionally celebrate “Victory Day” on May 9.

(DPA, AFP/house)

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