Berlin lifts ban on Ukrainian symbols for V-E Day, Russian flags still prohibited

People near the Brandenburg Gate during the Freedom Parade on Ukraine's Independence Day in Berlin
People near the Brandenburg Gate during the Freedom Parade on Ukraine's Independence Day in Berlin

According to the group, they won a court hearing on the matter, lifting the ban on Ukrainian flags and songs. At the same time, the ban on displaying Russian flags remains in place, according to German public broadcaster rbb.

Read also: Berlin decides to expel Russian diplomats en masse, Russia sends huge plane for them

The court called the Berlin police's decision to outlaw Ukrainian flags "clearly illegal" because they did not provide "any evidence to suggest a threat to public safety.”

"Anyone who exercises their fundamental right to publicly express support for the Ukrainian people and their historical victims in the defeat of National Socialism does not pose a threat to public safety," said Vitsche's lawyer, Patrick Heinemann.

The Berlin police said on Twitter that there are no plans to appeal the court's decision.

Read also: Zelenskyy to visit Berlin on May 13 to visit Chancellor and receive Charlemagne Prize

Earlier, Berlin law enforcement banned the display of Russian and Ukrainian flags near Soviet memorials on May 8 and 9, V-E Day, in the city. They also prohibited "slogans that, due to the current situation, may be taken as approval, glorification or heroification of the war in Ukraine."

We’re bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine