Man climbs 30-metre flagpole in front of Berlin's Reichstag and replaces German flag with Palestinian one

In brief

• A 22-year-old man climbed the Reichstag flagpole in Berlin on Sunday and replaced the German flag with a Palestinian one.
• Police detained the two men who helped him; the 22-year-old remains in custody.
• State security is investigating several offences, and a group called Peacefully Against Genocide claimed the action.

Flag removed and replaced at the Reichstag

On Sunday, 8 November, a 22-year-old man climbed the flagpole in front of the Reichstag building in Berlin-Mitte, which stands almost 30 metres high. According to police, he took down the German flag, known as the Flag of Unity, and threw it to the ground. In its place he raised a Palestinian flag. Two other men, aged 20 and 32, stood at the base of the mast and helped him. (В Берлине мужчина поднялся на 30-метровый флагшток перед Рейхстагом и заменил флаг на палестинский — видео – NV) (У Берліні чоловік піднявся на флагшток перед Рейхстагом і підняв палестинський прапор – Європейська правда) (Berlin: Mann hisst Palästina-Flagge vor dem Reichstag – DER SPIEGEL) (Mann hisst Palästinenser-Flagge vor Berliner Reichstagsgebäude – tagesschau.de)

Police response and hours on the mast

Police secured the area and detained the two men at the foot of the pole. The climber stayed near the top, held by a climbing harness, until around 12:30, when he came down on his own. Officers and firefighters then removed the Palestinian flag. (Flagge der Einheit: Mann hisst Palästina-Flagge vor Reichstag – rbb24)

Charges and status of those detained

The two men who assisted him were released after their identities were established and they were ordered to leave the area.

The state security unit of Berlin's criminal police is investigating on suspicion of defamation of the state and its symbols, criminal damage to property, violation of Berlin's assembly law and trespassing.

Group behind the action

The group Peacefully Against Genocide claimed the action on Instagram, according to Anadolu. It said the flag was a gesture of solidarity with Palestinians and a protest against what it called the inaction of German politicians over serious human rights violations and genocide. (В Берлине активисты сняли главный официальный флаг Германии — он находится у Рейхстага. И повесили палестинский – Meduza)

The group has staged earlier protests against German arms exports to Israel and against the policy of the German government. In November 2025 its members climbed the Brandenburg Gate and lit flares.

About the Flag of Unity

The flag in front of the Reichstag, 60 square metres in area, was first raised on the night of 3 October 1990 to mark German reunification. It is never lowered, not even on days of national mourning.