Berlin police officer alleged to have participated in hooligan attacks on police

The officer is said to have been off duty at the time of the riots. Disciplinary measures against him are also being reviewed. The "B.Z." first reported on this.

On the occasion of the football match on January 17, violent riots broke out at entrances to Berlin's Olympic Stadium and in the area of the East Curve in the arena. According to police, officers were pelted with objects, among other things, from within a larger group of people.

Investigations and search for suspects

Several officers were injured, and hooligans also sustained injuries. The investigation includes charges of breach of the peace (Landfriedensbruch). Police spoke of a "gewalttätige Auseinandersetzung" in the Westend district.

In the course of their investigation into the riots, police launched a public manhunt last Wednesday with images of 18 alleged participants. Ten individuals have since been identified by name, including the police officer in question, the spokesperson said.

Investigators are now examining what role the officer is alleged to have played in the attacks on his own colleagues. The allegation on the table is that he may have participated in the assaults as part of the violence-prone group.

Disciplinary consequences

The authorities announced that they would continue the public manhunt with images of the as-yet-unidentified suspects. Police are hoping for tips from the public in order to identify the remaining participants.

Nothing is yet known about any possible background or motive of the officer. Investigators also provided no information about his employment status or his exact function within the Berlin police.

Political reactions

The case raises questions about the demarcation between official and private conduct by police officers. Interior policy makers in Berlin are watching the developments closely, because such an allegation can significantly damage public trust in the police.

The criminal investigation is ongoing. In parallel, an internal disciplinary proceeding is underway, the outcome of which remains open. Should the suspicion be confirmed, the officer faces not only criminal consequences but also disciplinary sanctions up to and including removal from service.