Enlarge image
Policeman from NRW in uniform (symbol picture)
Photo: Rupert Oberhäuser / imago images / Rupert Oberhäuser
Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against a police officer from Siegen.
He is said to have participated in a demonstration in Berlin against the Corona policy in uniform.
After the incident on Saturday, the chief commissioner was relieved of his official duties, said a spokesman for the Siegen police department on Thursday.
The news portal »t-online« had previously reported that the policeman from North Rhine-Westphalia had taken part in protests by the »lateral thinkers« scene in Berlin and was wearing a jacket with the inscription »Police« and the coat of arms of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Officials are also allowed to take part in demonstrations, but not in their uniform.
According to the report, the officers of the Berlin police had arrested the superintendent, recorded his personal details and then let him go after consultation.
In the "lateral thinker" scene, the Siegen police officer is already being celebrated as a "hero".
The Siegen police spokesman explained that they were checking whether there was a breach of disciplinary law.
Civil servants are obliged to be neutral.
The High Commissioner "recognizable as a police officer" took part in the approved rally by the party "Die Basis", which was directed against the Corona policy (you can find out more about "Die Basis" here).
The agency in charge of the investigation was Berlin - and in order to be able to evaluate the entire circumstances, one had to rely on the results there, according to the spokesman.
Since the event took place in Berlin, the local state and assembly law apply - not North Rhine-Westphalia law.
According to the current state of knowledge, the Berlin colleagues do not assume a criminal offense, as it was called in Siegen.
There is also a photo circulating that shows the officials with a sign that reads “I won't take part in fascism”.
The Siegen police spokesman said: "What he wanted to express with it, whether it is his sign or whether it has been pushed into his hand - all that still has to be clarified." The police officer had not received any negative attention beforehand.
Until further notice, he is not allowed to work actively.
wit / dpa / AFP