Shortly before the trial began, around 30 demonstrators started chanting outside the Regional Court in Moabit. Their placards carried demands such as “Stop the genocide” and “Acquit Baki.” “Baki” refers to 32-year-old Burak Y., a pro-Palestinian activist who was reported last year by Jewish student Lahav Shapira.

Shapira had accused Burak Y. of preventing him from entering a lecture hall during an occupation at the Free University of Berlin in December 2023. Charges of insult and bodily harm could not be substantiated. However, he was convicted of coercion and sentenced to a fine of 30 daily rates of 15 euros each – a total of 450 euros. Burak Y. and the Berlin public prosecutor’s office have now both appealed the verdict.

Agreement in Shapira and Burak Y. trial: Court dismisses proceedings

On Tuesday, February 10, however, the proceedings were discontinued just one hour after they began – at the suggestion of the private prosecution, meaning Shapira’s side, as Judge Jörn Steitzer of the Berlin Regional Court explained. Burak Y. must pay 450 euros within three months to the non-profit organization Medico International. “A neutral organization that stands on neither side of the conflict,” his defense lawyer stated. In addition, Burak Y. must pay a “symbolic amount” of 200 euros to Shapira, as Judge Steitzer stated. The case will only be permanently dismissed once Burak Y. complies with these conditions.

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In the courtroom, both sides appeared relieved with the compromise. Judge Steitzer described it as a “practical solution” that does justice to all parties involved. The defense lawyer also expressed satisfaction: “The overall atmosphere was conciliatory – and I believe my client is relieved that the proceedings are over.” The court did not rule on the defendant’s guilt, and as a result, he still does not have a criminal record.. This had been a decisive point in the negotiations. The demonstrators also seemed satisfied: when Burak Y. left the Regional Court in Moabit, he was greeted with cheers.

Berlin: Lahav Shapira sues the Free University

Last year, Lahav Shapira appeared in court several times: first after he was attacked and seriously injured by a former fellow student, and later when he sued the Free University of Berlin, accusing it of not doing enough to protect Jewish students. Shortly thereafter came the trial against Burak Y.

And this year, Shapira will once again return to the courtroom: his lawsuit against FU Berlin will continue on February 26 before the Berlin Administrative Court.

This article was originally written and published on the 10th of February in German. It was translated in English with the use of Artificial Intelligence.