Berlin Left Party Politician Criticized Over Clan Deportation Protest

Berlin lawmaker Katharina Marg of the Left Party is facing criticism after attending a demonstration against the planned deportation of two members of a Palestinian extended family. The two men, aged 22 and 35, were scheduled for deportation from Hannover to Greece on October 29. Marg, who won a seat in the Berlin House of Representatives in September, stated that she was present at the event solely in her capacity as a parliamentary observer.

German authorities sought to return the men to Greece, where both had received protection status prior to moving to Germany in 2022 and 2023. According to law enforcement, the two individuals are under investigation for speech-related offenses at rallies, dangerous bodily harm, aggravated breach of the peace, and attacks on police officers. Investigators also cite suspected incitement and the use of symbols belonging to unconstitutional and terrorist organizations. Berlin police consider one of the suspects to be a ringleader of radical pro-Palestinian protests.

The men belong to the Barbakh clan, a Palestinian extended family whose members began moving from Khan Yunis in the Gaza Strip to Berlin in larger numbers starting in 2024. While the exact total population in the capital remains unconfirmed, police circles estimate that several hundred family members live in Berlin. A previous report noted that a double-digit number of family members are classified as security risks, with police repeatedly noting clan members committing violence against officers during demonstrations. Many members of the family are currently residing in Germany illegally.

Following the arrest of the two men in October, pro-Palestinian groups organized protests against their removal, leading to Marg's involvement. Critics argue that Left Party representatives frequently cite parliamentary observer status to conceal support for radical groups. Marg reportedly asked a presiding judge for courtroom access under the designation of a parliamentary supporter. The Police Union expressed criticism of Marg, while SPD domestic policy spokesman Sebastian Fiedler said that the case showed for which environments the Left Party engages.

Written by Sandy van Dongen sandy.vandongen@alpineweekly.com