Berlin to ban Soviet Symbols on May 8th and 9th
Germany is introducing a number of bans for May 9th.
Flags of the former Soviet Union, Belarus, and the Russian Republic of Chechnya will be banned. However, according to a lawsuit filed by Ukrainian groups, flags of the country that was attacked are not banned.
Berlin police are planning to impose strict restrictions on the grounds of Soviet memorials on May 8th and 9th, the days commemorating the end of World War II. This was reported by the Berliner Morgenpost, citing a police spokesperson.
These restrictions apply to the Tiergarten, Treptower Park, and Schönholzer Heide.
The new regulations are expected to be published next week and will generally replicate the restrictions of previous years.
According to them, the following will be banned:
flags of the USSR, Belarus, and Russian regions, particularly Chechnya;
military uniforms and their elements;
military awards;
V and Z symbols;
St. George ribbons;
Displaying portraits of the leaders of Russia, Belarus, and Chechnya;
Performing Russian marches and war songs;
Symbols that, according to the authorities, justify the war against Ukraine.
However, following a court ruling in previous years, the ban does not apply to Ukrainian symbols.
Authorities explain that the purpose of the restrictions is to ensure public order and honor the memory of the fallen. The court previously recognized that the use of Soviet symbols during Russia’s war against Ukraine could impact security in the region.