Minister of Justice
Berlinale scandal: Buschmann threatens criminal consequences
Marco Buschmann, Federal Minister of Justice, makes a press statement
© Kay Nietfeld / DPA
The Berlinale is over – but not the anger over anti-Semitic statements. Federal Justice Minister Marco Buschmann is threatening tough measures.
After the scandal surrounding anti-Semitic statements at Berlinale, Federal Justice Minister Marco Buschmann has threatened criminal consequences. The FDP politician told the newspapers of the Funke media group that criminal law is well positioned to punish anti-Semitic statements. The use of the slogan “Free Palestine – From the River to the Sea” could be understood as an endorsement of the killings committed in Israel as part of the Hamas attacks in October 2023.
“Rewarding and endorsing crimes is a criminal offense,” emphasized the minister. Anyone who spreads propaganda from unconstitutional and terrorist organizations or uses the symbols of unconstitutional and terrorist organizations such as Hamas is also committing a criminal offense. “The Berlinale suffered serious damage this weekend because anti-Semitism went far too unchallenged,” said Buschmann. The criminal assessment of the incidents is the responsibility of the responsible law enforcement authorities and courts. But the political verdict is clear to him: “Anti-Semitism is intolerable.”
Genocide allegations against Israel at Berlinale
During the Berlinale Gala on Saturday evening, the Middle East conflict was discussed several times. Numerous jury members and award winners called for a ceasefire in the Gaza war verbally or with badges. In an acceptance speech for an award there was talk of genocide. The statements were subsequently met with criticism and outrage from politicians and associations.
Critics accuse Israel of committing genocide in its fight against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. South Africa had filed a corresponding complaint with the International Court of Justice. Israel and the German government reject the accusation of genocide. According to the UN Convention, the term genocide refers to the intention to destroy a population group. Israel aims to destroy Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, but not the destruction of the Palestinian people. Israel speaks of self-defense after the attack by the terrorist organization Hamas and other extremists on October 7, 2023. Israel has pledged to keep the damage to the civilian population as low as possible. However, the high number of civilian casualties in the Gaza war is criticized internationally.
Meanwhile, Berlin’s Senator for Culture Joe Chialo announced a new anti-discrimination clause. “It is important to find a legal regulation that ensures that hatred is not financed with taxpayers’ money. Four Senate administrations under the governing mayor are currently working on this together,” he told the newspaper “Die Welt”.
The support group “Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe” said it was “following the developments and reactions to this year’s Berlinale with great concern.” “We appeal to those responsible for culture to paint a more balanced picture in the future and thus make a contribution to peace and understanding. Only by comprehensively taking all perspectives into account can a contribution be made to overcoming conflicts,” said Lea Rosh, chairwoman of the support group, with.