Berlin court has overturned an earlier ban on the public display of Ukrainian flags during celebrations on 8 and 9 May, the association of Berlin Ukrainians Viche announced on Twitter.
“The administrative court upheld our opinion: the ban on Ukrainian flags is obviously illegal, to use the court’s words,” Viche’s lawyer Patrick Heinemann said.
The ban on playing Ukrainian songs has also been lifted. The display of Russian flags near Soviet memorials on 8 and 9 May will remain banned.
The BBC’s Russian service reports that the police may appeal the decision in the higher administrative court for Berlin and Brandenburg.
The demonstration of Russian and Ukrainian flags around Soviet memorials on 8 and 9 May was previously banned in several Berlin districts. The decision also banned the wearing of military uniforms and Saint George’s ribbons as well as the singing of military songs. The police pointed out that the ban does not apply to WWII veterans and diplomats who will take part in the commemoration events.
“The priority during these days is the dignified commemoration of the fallen soldiers of the former Soviet Army, who together with other armed forces contributed to liberating Germany and the world from Nazi dictatorship,” Berlin police stated.
