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No violations of regulations – Mayor Benz emphasizes clear stance against antisemitism and hatred of Israel
As the city of Darmstadt reports, Mayor Hanno Benz and Head of Public Order Paul Georg Wandrey positive assessment the Christmas market organized by the group Darmstadt4Palestine on Riegerplatz . Despite the sensitive history of the event, no violations of the imposed regulations found.
“It is good news for the city that, following the events of last year, no violations were detected this time. This is likely largely due to the close monitoring by the law enforcement authorities,” Benz and Wandrey jointly stated.
Mayor Benz emphasized the city's unwavering stance :
"Darmstadt resolutely condemns all forms of antisemitism, hatred of Israel, and the delegitimization of the State of Israel – whether overt, covert, or disguised as cultural rhetoric. Such phenomena have no place in our city. The safety and trust of our Jewish citizens are of paramount importance to me personally. Jewish life is an integral part of Darmstadt – and we will protect it."
Strict regulations following incidents last year
The organizer participated in a so-called "anti-colonial Christmas market" in 2023, where symbols associated with the terrorist organization Hamas were displayed. Against this backdrop, this year's event was strictly regulated and comprehensively monitored.
The public order office stipulated the following measures:
- Withdrawal of the registration as an assembly, since the serving of food or drinks is not permitted at assemblies.
- Prohibition of the politically charged title "anti-colonial Christmas market" – also for internal advertising.
- Division into a consumption area (excluding political content) and an information area .
- For the information area, specifically defined content requirements , based on the legal assessments of the previous year's incidents.
- The city police and public order office closely monitored compliance with all regulations.
According to his own statement, City Councillor Wandrey used "the maximum possible scope for action" since the legal requirements for a prohibition were not met.
Mayor Benz concluded by thanking his head of public order for his decisive action:
"Mr. Wandrey and his administration have very clearly and carefully exhausted all legal options. Vigilance remains necessary."
(Darmstadt - Red/PSD/Stip)
