German Justice Minister Marco Buschmann has criticized lecturers for their role in the recent pro-Palestinian protests at German universities and called for their accountability.
"Personally, I would like lecturers to encourage their students to present arguments. At universities in particular, it should be the stronger argument that counts - and not the louder shouting," the minister told the Funke media group.
"There must be no threats, no insults, no endorsement of criminal offences," he added.
There have been ongoing protests at German universities regarding Israel's actions in the Gaza conflict, with students expressing solidarity with the Palestinians. An occupation at the Free University of Berlin a few weeks ago was broken up by police.
Police on Thursday cleared parts of Humboldt University in Berlin that had been occupied by around 150 pro-Palestinian activists.
The university management initially tolerated the occupation and chose to engage in a dialogue with the occupiers and academics, despite facing widespread criticism from politicians.
Buschmann, a member of the business-oriented Free Democrats (FDP), said that Hamas was responsible for the suffering in Gaza and emphasized Germany's responsibility towards Israel, adding that those who disagree with this stance can refer to freedom of expression.
"The limit is reached where violence is carried out or incited, where personal rights are violated or the symbols of terrorist organisations are used," Buschmann said.
According to Buschmann, young people should resolve conflicts with rational arguments instead of "shouting down others or threatening them with their fists."
Buschmann defended police operations: "Universities are special places, but they are not outside the law. Demonstrations on the university campuses are subject to the same rules as other demonstrations," he said.
"That's why it is of course right for the police to intervene when the law is broken."
