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A legal tussle was unfolded in Berlin on Friday over an attempt by the police in the German capital to ban the Russian flag at the Victory Day celebrations this week.
Ahead of Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Berliners and Russians will gather at the city’s monuments to commemorate Victory Day, the May 9 holiday in Russia that marks the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. But since the start of the invasion, the monument has become a staging point for pro-Russian activists.
Although the majority of Germans support Ukraine in defense against the Russian invasion, a vocal minority – which includes members of the large Russian diaspora as well as far-right activists – supports Moscow.
Last week, Berlin police announced a ban on symbols, uniforms, songs and flags that could be seen in support of the Russian invasion during Victory Day commemorations, citing the risk of violence. The measures, similar to those implemented last year, apply to the three main memorial events on Monday and Tuesday.
The ban initially included the Ukrainian flag, chants and military songs, but after a public outcry, a court decision overturned the ban. Police announced Friday that they would not challenge the decision.
But then pro-Russian activists went to court and got an injunction to allow the display of Russian symbols, including the flag.
Berlin police said on Sunday that they would fight the decision in a higher court. Currently, Russian and Ukrainian symbols will be allowed.
Police said they will have up to 1,500 officers ready to respond during the Victory Day celebrations.
For years, the annual commemorations at the main Soviet memorials in Berlin have ranged from somber to raucous, featuring numerous Russian and Soviet flags, uniforms and ribbons. Last year, amid restrictions on symbols and songs, the celebrations were muted.
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