capital city
“Scandalous decision”: Melnyk criticizes the police
Andriy Melnyk, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Germany, speaks to dpa journalists in his office. Photo: Kay Nietfeld/dpa
© dpa-infocom GmbH
Neither Russian nor Ukrainian flags are to be displayed in Berlin at commemorative events marking the 77th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The Ukrainian ambassador is outraged.
On the occasion of the commemoration of the end of the Second World War in Europe 77 years ago, the Berlin police are sticking to the conditions for 15 selected memorial sites – despite criticism from the Ukrainian ambassador Andriy Melnyk, among others.
On Sunday and Monday, “no flags or military symbols are allowed” in those places, the police confirmed on Saturday. However, the ban does not apply to diplomats or veterans of the World War. Numerous demonstrations and commemorative events are planned in Berlin on May 8th and 9th.
Melnyk tweeted on Friday evening: “Dear Governing Mayor @FranziskaGiffey, this scandalous decision by the @polizeiberlin must be REVOKE”. This is a slap in the face for Ukraine and a slap in the face for the Ukrainian people.
The police requirements also include that uniforms or parts of uniforms – even in modified forms – as well as marching or military songs are prohibited. The Z symbol is also prohibited. The letter is used by pro-war advocates and stands for “za pobedu” (“For Victory”). According to the police, however, veterans of the Second World War, diplomats and representatives and delegations of states are exempt from the regulations.
The Berlin police want to accompany the planned demonstrations and memorial events with a large contingent. According to a spokesman, around 3,400 police officers should be on the road in the city area this Sunday and Monday.
In view of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, a “very sensitive risk situation” is expected. It is important to protect a dignified commemoration at memorial sites and memorials – and at the same time to prevent “instrumentalization of commemoration”, said police chief Barbara Slowik on Friday.