Judicial reform plan in Israel protested in Berlin

By Erbil Basay

BERLIN (AA) – Protests were held on Thursday in Berlin against the controversial judicial reform plan in Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who visited the German capital.

Hundreds of people gathered in Pariser Square in front of the historic Brandenburg Gate, upon calls made over the internet to protest the legal regulations that restrict the powers of the judiciary in Israel.

Protesters carried Israeli flags and banners reading "Protect Israel's democracy," "No one is above the law, There is no equality without democracy," "Netanyahu hands off Israeli democracy," and "Netanyahu, the dictators are not welcome in Berlin," during the protests where slogans were also chanted against the Israeli prime minister.

Berlin police took extensive security measures due to the protests in the city and Netanyahu's visit.

Proposed by Israeli Justice Minister Yariv Levin, the reform, if enacted, would be the most radical change ever in the system of government in Israel.

The planned change would severely limit the power of the Supreme Court of Justice, give the government the power to choose judges, and end the appointment of legal advisers to ministries by the attorney general.

However, Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption, insists that his judicial plan would enhance democracy and would restore balance between the legislative, executive, and judicial powers.