- Authorities in Berlin reported a decrease in violence during New Year's Eve celebrations compared to the previous year.
- Over the holiday, 390 people were briefly detained and 54 police officers were injured.
- 4,500 police officers were patrolling the city, the highest number in decades.
Berlin authorities said Monday that New Year's Eve celebrations in the German capital were peaceful compared to last year, even though 390 people were briefly detained and 54 police officers were injured.
Police say a number of people have been detained on charges of violating the Arms and Explosives Act for using illegal firecrackers and firing at police and others.
About 4,500 police officers patrolled the city at night to prevent a repeat of the New Year's Eve riots in 2022. It was the strongest police presence seen in Berlin in decades.
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On Sunday night, police banned the use of traditional firecrackers across the city.
Fireworks explode around the Berlin TV Tower during New Year's celebrations in Berlin, Germany, January 1, 2024. Berlin authorities said New Year's Eve celebrations in the German capital were peaceful compared to last year, although 390 people were detained at one point. And 54 police officers were injured. (AP Photo/Marcus Schreiber)
The city's mayor and Germany's interior minister have both vowed a zero-tolerance strategy against rioters, especially those who attempt to attack police.
“Months of preparation by police and firefighters has proven to be a success,” Iris Spanger, Berlin's top security official, wrote on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). She condemned “all acts of violence” and said “even one injured colleague is too many.”
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In a statement, German Interior Minister Nancy Feser thanked the deployed police officers. She said it was clear that increased police presence and an “early crackdown” was “the right strategy against riots and violence.”
A year ago, violence erupted in Berlin during New Year's celebrations, with rioters targeting police, firefighters and medical workers and attacking them with fireworks, sparking uproar across the country. Online videos from the time showed people firing rockets and throwing firecrackers at police cars and rescue vehicles, drawing widespread condemnation from German authorities.
