09.11.2026 12:02
In Berlin, the capital of Germany, a 22-year-old climbed the 30-meter pole in front of the Federal Parliament building, lowered the German flag, and hoisted the Palestinian flag in its place. In the action carried out in support of Palestine, the young man remained on the pole for about an hour. After the incident, three people were taken into custody, while German police launched an investigation on charges including demeaning state symbols and damaging public property.
In Germany's capital, Berlin, a notable protest took place on Sunday, November 8, in front of the Federal Parliament (Bundestag) building. A 22-year-old person who wanted to show support for Palestine climbed the flagpole in front of the parliament building that symbolizes Germany's reunification. The activist lowered the German flag and threw it to the ground, then hoisted the Palestinian flag in its place.
CLIMBED THE 30-METER POLE AND REPLACED THE FLAG
According to the German police statement, the incident occurred around 11:30 local time in Republic Square in front of the Reichstag building. The 22-year-old activist, using climbing equipment, climbed the approximately 30-meter-high pole and lowered the German flag. Meanwhile, two people aged 20 and 32 supported him below the pole.
After hanging the Palestinian flag, the activist remained on the pole for about an hour. Police and fire crews dispatched to the area took security measures, while the young man later came down on his own. The Palestinian flag was removed from the pole with the help of the fire department's ladder vehicle.
INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED AGAINST THREE PEOPLE
Berlin police announced that all three people who participated in the action are German citizens. Two of the suspects were taken to a police station, while the 32-year-old was reported to have been released after an identity check.
An investigation was launched on suspicions of insulting the state and state symbols, damaging public property, organizing an unauthorized demonstration, and entering a restricted area. The state security unit of the Berlin State Criminal Police Office took over the investigation.
REASON FOR THE ACTION: SUPPORT FOR PALESTINE
The group called "Peacefully Against Genocide," which claimed responsibility for the action, announced that its aim was to show solidarity with the Palestinian people and protest Germany's policies toward Israel. The group reacted to the German government's stance on developments in Gaza.
Meanwhile, President of the German Bundestag Julia Klöckner said after the incident that security measures around the parliament should be increased. Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner also reacted to the lowering of the German flag.