Police violence in Görlitzer Park: How safe is our neighborhood really?

Allegations of “hunting” and racial profiling by police officers have recently emerged in Görlitzer Park in Berlin. It is reported that officers pursued suspected drug dealers in the park over the Christmas period. A witness, Emanuel Sonko (not his real name), said he ran for his life when a patrol car with no lights and at high speed drove towards the group of around 20 people who had gathered in the park.

This group was made up of former drug dealers and homeless people, and some of those present had clear residency status in Denmark, Munich or the Schöneberg district of Berlin. Sonko noted that the patrol car initially came at walking speed without lights, but then drove towards the people at full speed.

Concerns about police violence in Görlitzer Park

Another affected person, known as Emma, ​​also reports similar experiences. He expresses fear of police violence in Görlitzer Park and describes that police officers drove their vehicle through the park last December night at up to 70 km/h, also without lights or sirens. Emma spoke on behalf of up to 50 people who have experienced similar incidents and highlighted the community cohesion in the park.

Although Emma and his friends were comfortable on December 24th and 25th, 2024, the mood changed when the police vehicles arrived. He criticized the fact that the police react differently to white people and often ignore them. Emma also expresses concerns that innocent people could be put in danger if the persecutions continue. He explained that the police stops were commonplace for him and his friends, even though they were not doing anything illegal.

“There is an aggravated climate in the park, with more frequent patrols and provocations from officers,” Emma explained. He called on the police to carry out their work properly and not to drive without lights and at high speed. The Berlin police press office had not responded to these allegations by the time of going to press. Together with other group members, he condemned police violence and emphasized: “We don’t want anyone to die.” nd-aktuell.de reported.