Berlin Protest Turns Police Gun Draw Controversy
German police officers reportedly drew their firearms on peaceful demonstrators protesting against arms manufacturer Rheinmetall and its alleged weapons supplies to Israel during a demonstration in Berlin.
According to video footage shared by the protest group, officers confronted activists who had arrived near a Rheinmetall facility in the Wedding district, where they appeared to point guns at the participants shortly after arriving in a vehicle.
The footage shows officers issuing commands, ordering protesters to raise their hands, and then detaining them after conducting searches. Activists were also reportedly lined up, restrained with zip ties, and arrested at the scene.
The group, Peacefully Against Genocide, strongly condemned the police response, describing it as excessive and vowing to continue its protests against Rheinmetall’s operations in Berlin.
Activists claim the arms manufacturer is preparing to produce ammunition intended for use in ongoing conflicts involving Israel, as well as other regional military operations, which they argue violate international law.
A representative from the group stated that Rheinmetall’s production activities contribute to violence affecting civilians in Gaza, Lebanon, and other regions, and criticized government support for arms exports.
One protester involved in the demonstration said they would continue their activism despite the police action, arguing that the risks they face are minor compared to the suffering of civilians in conflict zones.
The incident has intensified debate in Germany over arms exports, policing tactics, and public protests related to the Israel-Gaza conflict and wider regional tensions.
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