we are the people
This ongoing photo reportage chronicles Palestinian solidarity activism in Germany, predominantly led by immigrants and queer individuals, who have faced escalating repression by Berlin police. Since October 7, 2023, the German state's unwavering political, financial, and military support for Israel has intensified, leading to the criminalization of pro-Palestinian expressions, demonstrations, and events, including mourning. Authorities have imposed measures such as banning the use of the Arabic language at demonstrations, detaining protesters, deportation, use of violence and pepper spray, intimidation, private house perquisition, and enforcing protest bans.
Prominent international figures have also been targeted. In February 2025, UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese faced significant harassment and intimidation by German authorities during her visit to Berlin. Scheduled to speak at the Freie Universität Berlin, her event was relocated twice due to political and legal pressures. German police surrounded the final venue, and Albanese reported threats of arrest, describing the tactics used as "mafia-style." Similarly, in April 2024, British-Palestinian surgeon Dr. Ghassan Abu Sitta, known for his work in Gaza hospitals, was denied entry to Germany to attend a pro-Palestinian conference in Berlin. Former Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis also faced entry restrictions under similar circumstances.
Through compelling images of demonstrations, arrests, and acts of defiance, this visual chronicle exposes the realities of political repression, racial profiling, and state-sponsored censorship. Despite police brutality and media demonization, activists continue to resist—demanding freedom and justice for Palestine, and asserting their right to speak and self-determine. This is a story of resilience at the intersection of anti-colonial struggle, migrant justice, and LGBTQ+ resistance in one of Europe’s most hypocritical democracies.
