Berlin court overturns ban on Russia flag ahead of Victory Day 'Immortal Regiment' march

A Berlin ministrative court has overturned a ban on displaying Russian flags at upcoming Victory Day ‘Immortal Regiment’ march in German capital. According to a report from Russia Today, ban was imposed by city’s police, citing security concerns and possibility of glorifying Russian military operation in Ukraine. police h also prohibited display of Soviet, Ukrainian, and mock military flags and uniforms, as well as orange and black St. George ribbons.  Berlin police said y have alrey appealed latest ruling with top ministrative court, which is expected to make a decision later on Sunday.

Last year’s Victory Day celebrations saw similar restrictions on display of Russian and Ukrainian flags, aimed at keeping events “clearly separated from situation in May 2022”. Several German states have also banned symbols associated with Russia’s military operation in Ukraine, including letter ‘Z’, which has been used as a tactical marking by some units of Russian military and has since come to symbolise Russian offensive. Victory Day ‘Immortal Regiment’ march in Berlin will take place on May 9 at Tiergarten Soviet-era war memorial.

Here is what you need to know about Victory Day 'Immortal Regiment' march

Victory Day 'Immortal Regiment' march is an annual march held on May 9th to commemorate Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. march began in Russia in 2012 and has since spre to or countries with significant Russian populations. Participants in march carry photographs of ir relatives who fought in war as a way of honouring ir memory.

While march has been largely non-political in nature, it has become a source of controversy in some countries due to tensions between Russia and or nations. In recent years, some officials in Ukraine and or countries with strained relations with Russia have criticised Immortal Regiment march as an attempt to glorify Soviet-era military achievements and to promote Russian nationalism. Despite se controversies, Immortal Regiment march continues to be an important trition for many families and veterans who wish to honor sacrifices of ir loved ones in World War II.