The use of pain and intimidation shows the police have been emboldened by politicians who view protesters as enemies, says Herbers. In the fall, an officer was caught on video promising to cause “unimaginable pain,” to a sitting demonstrator. “Police are also increasingly restricting the freedom of movement for protesters,” said Herbers, referring to the violent tactics used to clear demonstrators from the village of Lützerath, which was being cleared to make way for coal mining, as well as the use of “kettling” in cities.
Deutsche Welle, 26.4.2023: Germany: Viral video prompts debate on police brutality