BERLIN

rotesters gathered Wednesday in central Berlin to denounce what they described as growing pressure on pro-Palestinian voices in Germany's academic and cultural circles.

The demonstration took place on Jaeger Street in the Mitte district ahead of the Conference of Education Ministers.

Participants carried Palestinian flags and photos of scientists killed by Israel, chanting slogans against the German government for supplying arms to Israel.

They called on German institutions to end cooperation with their Israeli counterparts and urged Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian territories.

Activist Georg Ismael told Anadolu that the protesters aimed to urge ministers of science and education to support an academic and cultural boycott of Israeli institutions.

He said Germany's universities and research centers "legitimize and even encourage apartheid and occupation" through close ties with Israel, adding that "until Palestinians have equal rights, German institutions should not cooperate with Israeli ones."

Ismael also condemned the "widespread and shocking" repression of pro-Palestinian activists, saying it had reached a level that prompted concern from the Council of Europe's human rights commissioner.

The protest ended peacefully under heavy police presence.