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The Council of Europe’s human rights commissioner voiced concern Thursday over what he described as growing anti-Muslim hatred in Germany, while also warning against restrictions on pro-Palestinian expression and protest.
In a statement, Michael O'Flaherty said there had been a “concerning rise in antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred” in Germany.
“Anti-Muslim hatred should be recognized as a societal problem, and efforts to raise awareness of and address it should be enhanced across state institutions,” the statement said.
O’Flaherty also expressed concern over what he described as undue restrictions on peaceful demonstrations, particularly those linked to the Palestine solidarity movement.
He cited reports of excessive force by law enforcement officers in Berlin and elsewhere during protests related to the war in Gaza.
Any restrictions on peaceful assembly, he said, “should be based on individualized assessments rather than blanket assumptions or generalized fear of tensions,” adding that banning an assembly “should be a last resort.”
The commissioner said freedom of expression in Germany has faced disproportionate restrictions, particularly in discussions concerning Palestinian rights and criticism of the Israeli government.
“While we must tackle antisemitism with every tool at our disposal, the distinction between legitimate criticism of state policies and antisemitism must not become blurred,” he said.
He also urged German authorities “to refrain from blanket prohibitions of slogans, symbols, or other forms of expression in support of the Palestinian people.”
O’Flaherty visited Germany in mid-October 2025, focusing on issues related to migration and asylum, freedom of expression, anti-Muslim hatred, and peaceful assembly in the context of protests over the war in Gaza.
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