Demonstrators protest in Berlin against the possible deportation of four foreign pro-Palestinian activists from Germany on April 7. The four, including two from Ireland, one from Poland and one from the United States, face order to leave relating to their participation in a protest at Berlin’s Free University last year over Israel’s invasion of Gaza. City authorities have ordered the four to leave Germany or face deportation.
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Sean Gallup/Getty Images
LONDON — Berlin’s Immigration Office has informed three European Union citizens and one American that they are to be deported from Germany this week over alleged actions at protests against Israel’s war in Gaza. Their cases have not yet been heard in court.
The four demonstrators — two from Ireland, one from Poland, and one from the United States — were served with orders last month instructing them to leave Germany by April 21 or face deportation. The Berlin Immigration Office states that the deportation orders are linked to a protest at Berlin’s Free University in October 2024.
Germany’s decision to deport protesters supporting Palestinians has sparked comparisons with the Trump administration’s treatment of pro-Palestinian student protesters in the U.S. There are concerns that these deportation orders may conflict with EU law, which upholds freedom of movement as a fundamental principle.
In an email to NPR, a spokesperson for the Berlin Immigration Office, Marcus Jähnke, confirmed the revocation of the residence permits of four “pro-Palestinian activists” in connection with a pro-Palestinian protest where “masked individuals” entered a university building and caused property damage, including graffiti.
The Berlin Senate Department for the Interior and Sport, responsible for the city’s immigration office, stated to NPR that criminal proceedings are ongoing but did not disclose the charges against the individuals, citing privacy reasons.
Alexander Gorski, a criminal defense and migration lawyer in Berlin representing some of the protesters, has stated that they are appealing the requirement to leave Germany by the April 21 deadline.
Irish citizen Shane O’Brien has been granted an emergency injunction pausing his deportation and allowing him to remain in Germany pending a full hearing. Gorski is confident that the other three demonstrators will also receive similar relief, enabling them to appeal their deportations.
Those facing deportation orders are unaware of the charges against them
Roberta Murray, a 31-year-old artist from Ireland working in a café in Berlin, was shocked to receive a letter from the Berlin Immigration Office in January threatening deportation. Murray, who has lived in Berlin for three years with no criminal record, has the right as an EU citizen to live and work anywhere in the European Union.
“I spoke to my lawyer, and she said deportation proceedings can take years, and we will fight it in the courts,” Murray stated.
In March, Murray received a longer letter from the Berlin Immigration Office, warning of deportation to Ireland if they do not leave voluntarily by April 21.
Cooper Longbottom, a 27-year-old student from Seattle studying for a master’s in social work in Berlin, received a similar deportation notice without any prior charges or legal proceedings.
“I had not anticipated this turn of events. I have not received any charges in the mail. It’s a complete mess and not in line with the principles of criminal law and due process,” Longbottom expressed.
Despite the deportation threats, Murray and Longbottom are continuing their work and studies in Berlin while appealing the notices. They have no plans to leave the country.
“I have a life here with my partner. I work in a cafĂ©, create art, and have a studio. None of us are considering leaving. We are determined and confident that this will not withstand legal scrutiny,” Murray affirmed.
Although Berlin authorities claim criminal proceedings against them, their lawyer Gorski stated that none of the individuals have criminal records and have not been informed of the specific charges against them.
“We have not even seen the case files yet, so we are unaware of the exact allegations against our clients,” Gorski explained.
The fourth protester facing potential deportation, Polish citizen Kasia Wlaszczyk, also received deportation letters. In an op-ed published in the Guardian newspaper, Wlaszczyk, a cultural worker based in Berlin, mentioned filing a motion of interim relief against the April 21 deadline and initiating a lawsuit against the deportation.
Germany’s Staatsräson and its stance on Israel
The second letter sent to Murray cited the concept of Staatsräson as a basis for the deportation.
The letter emphasized Germany’s commitment to the protection and integrity of the State of Israel as part of its state policy, especially considering its historical responsibility towards Jewish people. It stated that opposing movements within Germany, especially those against Israel, will not be tolerated.
Gorski expressed concern over the use of Staatsräson to justify deportation, highlighting that it is a political concept rather than a legal one.
The Central Council of Jews in Germany has voiced support for the planned deportation of the protesters, while Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin has pledged to raise the issue of the Irish nationals facing deportation with German authorities.
Longbottom, the American student, mentioned receiving no communication from the Trump administration regarding their case. The State Department stated that they are aware of the situation and prioritize the safety of U.S. citizens abroad.
Michele Kelemen contributed to this report from Washington, D.C.
