Children chained in Ashura procession under 40 degrees in Berlin!
Germany faces controversy after children participated in an Ashura procession in Berlin wearing chains in 40-degree heat, prompting criticism from Jewish groups and raising questions about religious freedom limits.
The event, which had been officially registered as a demonstration of solidarity with oppressed peoples, clearly took on a more radical character. According to the German Bild, citizens captured video of the children moving like a funeral procession through the streets of the capital.
The Jewish Forum for Democracy and Against Anti-Semitism (JFDA) reacted immediately. The forum published the material on social media and emphasized that the use of minors in such a spectacle constitutes a staged political and religious message, with elements of intimidation.
Ashura ceremonies are traditionally dedicated to the memory of Imam Hussein ibn Ali. In this particular case, however, hundreds of participants carried flags of Turkey, Iran and Lebanon, while chanting slogans in support of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
German authorities have not yet provided clarifications on whether they intervened during the march or took measures to protect the children who participated.
Almanya bu görüntüleri konuşuyor
🔶Berlin, yılın en sıcak gününü yaşarken başkentin merkezine yansıyan kareler infial yarattı. Aşura törenleri kapsamında düzenlenen yürüyüşte, çocukların sıcak asfaltda zincirlerle yürütülmesi infial yarattı.
#Berlin #Aşura #Almanya pic.twitter.com/LfX4kuSRyW
— Rasti Haber News (@RastiHaber1) June 28, 2026
The incident has opened a discussion in German society regarding the limits of religious freedom and the tendency of certain radical groups to use religious events for political purposes. Human rights defenders pointed out that such actions not only provoke, but also expose children to conditions that may endanger their health, especially with such high temperatures.
As Newsbomb reports in its publication, the event highlights the challenges Germany faces in balancing tolerance and the protection of minors at public events.
