A rainbow flag raised by the Berlin University of the Arts at Hanseatenweg was damaged by unknown individuals, Berlin police said on Wednesday.
According to the police report, a staff member at the Academy of the Arts on Hanseatenweg discovered the damage to the rainbow flag and the accompanying lighting fixture early Wednesday morning, around 8 a.m.
The Political Security division of the Berlin State Criminal Police Office took over the investigation, as is standard for cases categorized as hate crimes.
Berlin has repeatedly reported anti-LGBTQ+ assaults, with the police often publicizing hate-crime cases tied to a victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity. This practice contributes to a relatively high level of visibility for such offenses among the public. The police and the public prosecutor’s office in Berlin maintain dedicated contacts for queer residents, designed to help with reporting, information, and support.
