This Video Does Not Show German Cops Beating a Protester
The Claim
A video shows German policemen assaulting a protester and arresting him.
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Social media users have circulated a video purporting to show German policemen assaulting a protester and arresting him. The protester was allegedly demonstrating against the recent high inflation and energy shortages in Germany.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the viral video and found the claim to be misleading.
Our investigation revealed that the video is unrelated to the price-rise protests taking place in Germany.
A Video of German Cops Assaulting a Football Fan
After a severe police intervention before the Derby match between 2nd Bundesliga rivals St. Pauli and Hamburg SV, there was a huge uproar in Germany. Social media users circulated a video showing police officers physically assaulting a man lying on the ground.
The policeman justified their actions by pointing out that they successfully stopped a direct altercation between supporters of the two clubs.
A statement released by the police in the aftermath of the incident reads, "A video is circulating on the Internet showing officers detaining using direct coercion. Control is being carried out on the legality and proportionality of the use of these measures."
The statement mentioned that 47 people were arrested, and five policemen were injured.
In a tweet, the FC St. Pauli club demanded a clarification from the police: "With the available tapes and eyewitness reports, there is an urgent question of proportionality. FC St. Pauli is demanding an explanation."
The Hamburg derby, played as part of Germany's second football league, ended with a victory for St. Pauli 3-0.
Germany Demonstrators March Against the Price-Rise
In Western Germany, protesters demonstrated against rising inflation and rising living costs.
Hundreds of protesters gathered in Cologne's city center and chanted, "Enough is enough: Prices have to fall."
On October 22, tens of thousands of protesters rallied in six German cities on Saturday to call for a quicker transition away from fossil fuels and a more equitable allocation of government funds to address growing energy and living costs.
Protesters carried posters with slogans calling for several changes including lowering inflation rates and turning off nuclear power as they marched through Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hannover, Stuttgart, Dresden, and Frankfurt-am-Main.
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