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Berlin Court Acquits Activist After Video Disproves Police Claims

5/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

A Berlin court cleared Irish activist Shane O’Brien of charges after a defense video contradicted police testimony.
Judge Andreas Rische dismissed the protest-related charges, saying no sanction was needed and expressing confusion about building damage.
Defense lawyer Benjamin Düsberg presented a short clip showing only a verbal exchange, contradicting officers’ claim of shoving.
Düsberg will file libel charges against Berlin mayor Kai Wegner, who called O’Brien an “anti-Semitic criminal.”

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Story summary

A Berlin court cleared Irish activist Shane O’Brien of charges after a defense video contradicted police testimony.
Judge Andreas Rische dismissed the protest-related charges, saying no sanction was needed and expressing confusion about building damage.
Defense lawyer Benjamin Düsberg presented a short clip showing only a verbal exchange, contradicting officers’ claim of shoving.
Düsberg will file libel charges against Berlin mayor Kai Wegner, who called O’Brien an “anti-Semitic criminal.”