Frankfurt Demonstrations: High Emotions, Peaceful Day Despite Criminal Proceedings
Frankfurt's city center hosted several simultaneous demonstrations on October 7, 2025, with opposing views and high emotional charge. Police prepared intensively and were present throughout the day to ensure safety and protect citizens' rights to assembly and freedom of expression.
The largest gathering, '77 Years of Resistance - No Peace Without Freedom', started with around 1,500 participants and ended mostly without incident. However, a slogan expressed during the demo was deemed criminally relevant, and an additional restriction was issued to prevent its utterance again. The police initiated a total of ten criminal proceedings, including cases of suspected incitement of the people, approval of crimes, and use of symbols of unconstitutional organizations.
A demonstration titled 'Freedom for the Hostages - No Peace with Hamas' started with about 350 participants and ended peacefully. Meanwhile, a vigil titled 'For the Hostages and All Victims of Hamas Terror' took place on the Goetheplatz, attended by about 150 people, and proceeded without issues. Despite the intense emotions and differing views, the city center remained largely peaceful throughout the day.
While several criminal proceedings were initiated, the day's events in Frankfurt were largely peaceful, thanks to the police's intensive preparation and presence. The city center's residents and visitors could exercise their rights to assembly and freedom of expression safely.
