Darmstadt prosecutors end investigation into Hamas symbols at Christmas market

The Darmstadt public prosecutor's office has discontinued investigations into the 2024 “anti-colonial Christmas market” hosted by the Evangelical Michaelsgemeinde. While the investigation targeted a man and a woman for the alleged use of symbols belonging to unconstitutional and terrorist organizations, authorities stated they could not identify the specific individuals responsible for the displays despite numerous witness interviews.

At the event, the group “Darmstadt4Palestine” utilized symbols and slogans associated with the banned organization Hamas, including the red triangle and the phrase “From the river to the sea.” Although the criminal investigation was dropped due to lack of identifiable perpetrators, the prosecutor's office confirmed that prohibited symbols and incitement to hatred were indeed present.

The City of Darmstadt and the Evangelical Church in Hesse and Nassau (EKHN) issued a joint statement expressing their disagreement with the decision to end the case. They emphasized that the use of these symbols was illegal and that the dismissal of the case does not constitute an acquittal. Following the incident, the church took disciplinary action, including removing the local pastor from congregational service and placing the Michaelsgemeinde under administration.