During the days of celebrating the end of World War II on May 8-9, Berlin police banned the demonstration of Russian symbols.
In particular, Russian flags, St. George's ribbons, uniforms, orders, military and marching songs, as well as symbols glorifying Russia's war against Ukraine, including the Z symbol, were banned, the city's police said in a statement.
It is about Russian flags, St. George's ribbons, Russian military uniforms, "V" and "Z" symbols and other symbols associated with Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Exceptions are provided only for World War II veterans, diplomats and other state representatives. The ban will only apply to events that take place near Soviet memorials. The restrictions also do not apply to rallies outside the memorials and the territories adjacent to them.
The Russian embassy in Berlin urged the city authorities to lift the ban on Russian dampers and symbols near Soviet monuments.
"We regard this ban as discrimination that contradicts the spirit of historical reconciliation between the peoples of Russia and Germany in the postwar period," the embassy said in a statement.
A similar ban was also in effect in 2023. Back then, police initially banned both Russian and Ukrainian flags, but the Ukrainian NGO Vitsche successfully challenged the decision in an administrative court.
