Berlin Orders Deportation of Pro-Palestinian Activists, sparking Free Speech Concerns
By Archyde News
published: April 7, 2025
The Deportation Orders: A Summary
Berlin’s Immigration Authority has issued deportation orders against four pro-Palestinian activists, including Irish citizens Shane O’Brien and Bert Murray, a Polish citizen, and a U.S.citizen, citing concerns over their participation in recent protests. These orders, issued in March 2025 with an enforcement deadline of April 21st, invoke German immigration law allowing expulsion based on perceived threats to public order or national interest, even without criminal convictions.
The move has ignited controversy, with critics arguing that it infringes on civil liberties and freedom of speech. The situation draws parallels to debates within the U.S. regarding the balance between national security and the right to protest, notably concerning issues of foreign policy.
| Activist | Citizenship | Reason for Deportation (Alleged) |
|---|---|---|
| Shane O’Brien | Irish | Pro-Palestinian activism; perceived threat to public order |
| Bert Murray | Irish | Pro-Palestinian activism; perceived threat to public order |
| [Name withheld] | Polish | Pro-Palestinian activism; perceived threat to public order |
| [Name withheld] | U.S. | Pro-Palestinian activism; perceived threat to public order |
The Protest and Its Context
On Monday,April 7th,approximately 400 demonstrators gathered near Berlin’s state parliament to protest the deportation orders. The protesters, chanting slogans such as “Free, Free Palestine” and “Israel is a terror state/Germany is a fascist state,” rallied in support of the “Berlin Four” and heard from speakers representing various pro-Palestinian and anti-Zionist organizations.
The protests are rooted in the ongoing israel-Hamas conflict,which began in October 2023. O’Brien and Murray have been active participants in pro-Palestinian demonstrations since the conflict’s escalation. These demonstrations, and the German government’s response, highlight the complex relationship between freedom of expression, national security concerns, and ancient context in Germany.
Activists Respond: “A Pathetic Attempt to Intimidate”
Shane O’Brien has publicly dismissed the deportation order as “not worth the paper it is written on” and a “pathetic and feeble attempt to intimidate those who stand up against the genocide.”
Your disgusting and insidious attempts to discredit us and to vilify Palestinian solidarity is weak and all it achieves is to expose the absurdity of this country and the disgusting racism and white supremacy rooted at the core of German politics.
Shane O’Brien, addressing Berlin’s governing mayor Kai Wegner
O’Brien’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among pro-Palestinian activists who believe that criticism of Israeli policies is being suppressed. He urged further action stating, “It is indeed time for every person of conscience to escalate.If you are not actively resisting the genocide you are complicit.”
Legal Challenges and Civil Liberties Concerns
Lawyers representing the four activists are expected to file emergency motions to halt the deportations. their legal argument centers on the claim that the deportation orders undermine civil liberties for EU citizens living in Germany, particularly as none of the individuals have been convicted of any criminal offenses.
This situation raises vital questions about the limits of government power in restricting freedom of movement and expression,even for non-citizens. The legal challenge will likely focus on whether the German government has provided sufficient evidence to demonstrate a genuine threat to public order or national security.
Reactions and Wider Implications
The deportation orders have sparked widespread condemnation from pro-Palestinian groups and civil liberties advocates.
One 82-year-old demonstrator named Barbara,argued that postwar Germany’s efforts to balance human rights with the defence of Israel and Jewish life had “imploded.” These outrageous manoeuvres violate the Basic Law (constitution), how can we speak of freedom of speech and assembly if these people are deported? All criticism of Israel hear is suppressed.
Another protestor, Seán, an Irish citizen living in Berlin for 10 years, described the removal orders as a “shocking, brutal response” to pro-Palestinian demonstrations. It makes you question everything: how you’re living here, paying taxes here.
Anti-Zionist activist Rachel Shapiro expressed concern that Berlin’s actions carried echoes of past U.S.deportations. We will not allow our friends to be deported for expressing dissent to the German state’s murderous militarism and genocidal bloodlust. While this may be the first time that EU and US citizens have been targeted in this way, our Palestinian, Arab and muslim comrades and their communities have been the subject of mass repressions for months, years and decades.
The case also raises concerns about the broader implications for freedom of expression and assembly in Germany, particularly for those critical of Israeli policies. Some fear that these deportations coudl set a precedent for further crackdowns on pro-Palestinian activism.
The situation in Berlin is a microcosm of a larger global debate about the limits of free speech, the rights of protesters, and the responsibilities of governments in protecting both national security and civil liberties. As the legal challenges proceed, the world will be watching to see how Germany balances these frequently enough competing interests.
