Berlin prohibits Soviet flags during the 80th commemoration of the Nazi defeat
The Russian embassy has condemned the ban as discriminatory and revisionist. A Berlin court has upheld a prohibition on displaying Soviet flags and symbols at World War II memorials during the city's events commemorating the defeat of Nazi...
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The Russian embassy has condemned the ban as discriminatory and revisionist.
A Berlin court has upheld a prohibition on displaying Soviet flags and symbols at World War II memorials during the city's events commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany, citing concerns regarding public peace and the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Moscow has characterized the ban as “degrading” and “discriminatory.”
Earlier this week, Berlin police announced a ban on several Soviet-linked symbols during the events scheduled for May 8-9, including the public singing of Soviet songs.
An unnamed local association has filed an appeal against this ban, asserting that it unjustly restricts the freedom of assembly for their planned commemoration at the Soviet Memorial in Treptow.
On Wednesday, Berlin’s Administrative Court upheld the police prohibition, which encompasses Soviet flags, the Victory Banner, St. George's ribbons, historical military uniforms, and even wartime songs.
According to the court, these symbols could be “interpreted as an expression of sympathy for the [Russian] war effort” against Ukraine and pose a threat to public peace.
The Russian embassy in Berlin criticized the decision, claiming it infringes on the rights of descendants of Soviet soldiers and local residents who wish to honor the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazism, during which approximately 27 million Soviet citizens lost their lives.
“We deem the ban unjustified, discriminatory, and degrading to human dignity and view it as clear manifestations of historical revisionism and political opportunism,” the embassy stated.
“We are convinced that on these significant days, everyone… should have the opportunity, regardless of the current political context, to honor the memory and pay tribute to the fallen Red Army soldiers and victims of Nazism in accordance with established long-standing traditions. Any attempts to prevent this deserve condemnation. We urgently demand that the relevant decision be repealed,” it emphasized.
In 2023, Berlin police prohibited both Russian and Soviet flags during Victory Day commemorations, while in 2024, authorities extended the ban to include Russian and Soviet symbols, such as the red Victory Banner and the letters “Z” and “V,” which are associated with the Russian military campaign against Ukraine.
Despite these prohibitions, some individuals have resisted the bans by wearing Soviet military uniforms and displaying the banned flags.
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
A Berlin court has upheld a prohibition on displaying Soviet flags and symbols at World War II memorials during the city's events commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany, citing concerns regarding public peace and the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Moscow has characterized the ban as “degrading” and “discriminatory.”
Earlier this week, Berlin police announced a ban on several Soviet-linked symbols during the events scheduled for May 8-9, including the public singing of Soviet songs.
An unnamed local association has filed an appeal against this ban, asserting that it unjustly restricts the freedom of assembly for their planned commemoration at the Soviet Memorial in Treptow.
On Wednesday, Berlin’s Administrative Court upheld the police prohibition, which encompasses Soviet flags, the Victory Banner, St. George's ribbons, historical military uniforms, and even wartime songs.
According to the court, these symbols could be “interpreted as an expression of sympathy for the [Russian] war effort” against Ukraine and pose a threat to public peace.
The Russian embassy in Berlin criticized the decision, claiming it infringes on the rights of descendants of Soviet soldiers and local residents who wish to honor the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazism, during which approximately 27 million Soviet citizens lost their lives.
“We deem the ban unjustified, discriminatory, and degrading to human dignity and view it as clear manifestations of historical revisionism and political opportunism,” the embassy stated.
“We are convinced that on these significant days, everyone… should have the opportunity, regardless of the current political context, to honor the memory and pay tribute to the fallen Red Army soldiers and victims of Nazism in accordance with established long-standing traditions. Any attempts to prevent this deserve condemnation. We urgently demand that the relevant decision be repealed,” it emphasized.
In 2023, Berlin police prohibited both Russian and Soviet flags during Victory Day commemorations, while in 2024, authorities extended the ban to include Russian and Soviet symbols, such as the red Victory Banner and the letters “Z” and “V,” which are associated with the Russian military campaign against Ukraine.
Despite these prohibitions, some individuals have resisted the bans by wearing Soviet military uniforms and displaying the banned flags.
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
