BERLIN (AP) — A prominent British-Palestinian surgeon who volunteered in Gaza hospitals during the first weeks of the Israel-Hamas war said he was denied entry to Germany Friday to take part in a pro-Palestinian conference — an event that police later ended early.
Dr. Ghassan Abu Sitta said he arrived at Berlin airport on Friday morning before being stopped at passport control, where he was held for several hours and then told he had to return to the U.K.
Airport police said he was refused entry due to “the safety of the people at the conference and public order,” Abu Sitta told The Associated Press by phone. There was no immediate comment from German federal police.
Abu Sitta said his ban was to last until Sunday, covering the planned duration of the Berlin conference he was to attend, entitled the Palestine Congress. The gathering was to discuss a range of topics, including German arms shipments to Israel and solidarity with what organizers called the Palestinian struggle.
Investigators return to Long Island home of Gilgo Beach serial killing suspect
From the glamour of Cannes to arty hilltop villages: Inside Provence
Russian landing ship Caesar Kunikov sunk off Crimea, says Ukraine
I'm an American living in the UK
Philippines blames China for loss of giant clams in disputed shoal and urges environmental inquiry
Perfect respite from eight million mopeds and motorbikes: Inside the Park Hyatt Saigon
Inside Croatia's abandoned haven of hedonism: The derelict remains of Haludovo Hotel, the once
First look: Alton Towers' 50mph Nemesis rollercoaster is unveiled to the public with a brand
Amir Khan's £11.5m luxury wedding venue finally hosts its first marriage: Bride arrives on horse
Net tightens on Bolsonaro as police seize passport in coup probe
Nadal returns to Roland Garros to practice amid doubts over fitness and form
Advocates attack removal of climate change from government's draft transport policy