![Hundreds of demonstrators gather near Moritzplatz metro station to stage a demonstration in support of Palestinians and protest Israel's attacks on Gaza, in Kreuzberg district of Berlin, Germany on August 17, 2024. [Erbil Başay/Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AA-20240817-35428721-35428716-PROPALESTINIAN_DEMONSTRATION_IN_BERLIN-e1724156686978.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
Berlin has issued deportation orders against two Irish citizens living in the city, instructing them to leave the country after they participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations, according to the Irish Times.
Thirty-one-year-old Bert Murray and 29-year-old Shane O’Brien have been attending protests in support of Palestinians since Israel launched its genocidal bombing campaign in Gaza in October 2023.
O’Brien was arrested by German police at a protest in Berlin last October. Murray has been accused by police of using banned slogans in support of Palestinians in Gaza at the protests, the Irish Times reported.
Both Irish citizens, along with two others – a US national and a Polish citizen – have been issued with deportation orders under German migration law in March and have been given a deadline of 21 April to leave the country despite having not been convicted of any crime.
The deportation orders allege the behaviour of the Irish citizens can be seen as an act of support – “albeit only indirectly” – of organisations such as Hamas and “front” pro-Hamas organisations in Germany and other parts of Europe.
The Irish pair reject the allegations made by the German authorities and are fighting the deportation order.
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