Kitty O’Brien, a 25-year-old Irish pro-Palestine activist, recently experienced a harrowing encounter with German police during a rally in Berlin’s Mitte district. The goal of the protest was to call attention to Israel’s targeting of journalists operating in Gaza. It was unpermitted, resulting in dramatic confrontations between law enforcement and protesters.
O’Brien, a member of Irish Bloc Berlin, protested for Palestine alongside his fellow Irish emigrés. In the midst of this intense clash, a targeted police officer pummeled him repeatedly. The resulting crash broke O’Brien’s arm. Now, they are concerned about the impact this injury will have on their long-term fit as a successful costume designer, an occupation that relies heavily on fine hand dexterity.
In Germany, tensions are at a breaking point as protests continue. Police departments are often accused of using excessive force against pro-Palestinian protesters. On that day, authorities arrested 94 other people with O’Brien. He was then charged with disorderly conduct and obstruction of justice, charges that stem from allegedly disrespecting police. Overall, police have opened 96 criminal investigations related to the rally violence.
Burke reported O’Brien was most vocally concerned about those injuries’ affect on future work prospects.
“I’m not sure if or when I will regain feeling in my hand,” – Kitty O’Brien.
O’Brien is unwavering in their dedication to the movement.
“There’s nothing that’s not worth risking to stop this genocide,” – Kitty O’Brien.
O’Brien’s case has galvanized supporters not only in activist circles, but at the bipartisan political level. Micheal Martin, Ireland’s Taoiseach, joined by condemning the attack on the world stage as “unacceptable.” He noted the heightened public accountability for police behavior that’s come out of these protests.
Germany’s reaction to pro-Palestinian protests have been criticized for overzealous measures. In April, German authorities attempted to deport several Western activists over their actions at demonstrations, an effort perceived by many as an attempt to silence dissenting voices advocating for Palestinian rights.
O’Brien considered more philosophically the broader ramifications of police violence. Though he experienced extreme violence from Israel himself, he understood that it affects Palestinian and Arab activist most egregiously.
“The large majority of the violence is obviously targeted at Palestinian and Arab and other brown and Black comrades who are on the streets with us and myself and the Irish bloc,” – Kitty O’Brien.
As protests continue in support of Palestine amidst ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, O’Brien’s story underscores the risks faced by activists worldwide. The German police’s response during the recent rally in Berlin has reignited debates about civil rights, freedom of expression, and the treatment of protesters in Europe.
