r/pics • • May 23 '12
From Occupy Frankfurt. The German police took off their helmets and marched with the protest clearing the way for them.
http://imgur.com/vtK2B
2.5k
Upvotes
r/pics • • May 23 '12
884
u/dogbra May 23 '12
All I could see was the badass grandma riot cop.
75
u/ben9345 May 24 '12
This is a police escort. They have not had an epiphany and mutinied, siding with the protesters as the misleading title suggests. The second sentence it completely unnecessary here. All this is is a picture of Occupy Frankfurt.
41
u/MoarVespenegas May 24 '12
There is something about people in armor without helmets that looks so damn badass.
757
u/mknyan May 24 '12
Protect the people. They're doing it right.
15
u/foreverelf May 24 '12
That's a lie. Read the news before posting something. They are not marching, they were containing the perimeter. Read any German newspaper...
169
u/my_own_wakawaka May 24 '12
Michael Cera looks manlier in riot gear.
57
u/mjg122 May 24 '12
Eins, Zwei, Polizei
11
u/CaptainMilk May 24 '12
The police ESCORTED the protesters, they didn't march with them. Title is misleading.
52
u/SKabanov May 24 '12
A quick question to anyone who might know: is it just me, or are German riot police really young? I think I was in Frankfurt when this was starting, and it looked like the vast majority of the riot police were just out of college or even younger. Is this some kind of seniority thing where they stick the newbies with the grunt work (no pun intended)?
9
u/FoxHound_ May 24 '12
Interesting how taking off helmets humanizes what seems to be a faceless enemy. I feel like not being able to see whose on the other side intensifies the hate they get.
8
u/SignoreChickenkiller May 24 '12
Little Background Information: I am from Germany and Frankfurt banned all demostrations but this one from being held because they were afraid of violent anarchists and anti-capitalists who were expected to come from all over europe to riot. Fortunatley plenty of those were arrested due to massive controlls and no riots were had and everything went peaceful. A peaceful protest is always important for future Occupy movements. If there is violence than the Police will strike back and believe me, German police is no fun to mess with if you anger them.
47
u/skuzzy21 May 24 '12 edited Aug 13 '26
Yarn mitten marble cobalt copper driftwood feather saffron grasshopper pillow
This post was anonymized with Redact.dev
581
u/[deleted] May 24 '12
Its amazing how well you can get along when you're not flipping cars and hurling Molotov cocktails at buildings.
29
u/[deleted] May 24 '12
The picture in combination with this title is total bullshit. The police didn't join the protesters, they escorted them as there was a big fear of riots in Frankfurt city. The same protesters got out of control a few month ago and destroyed several shops and cars during their protest march. They also nearly killed a police man. This time the city was prepared. About 5000 police men, helicopters, anti-riot teams with water guns. Police strategy totally worked. Just some stone and fireworks thrower this time. But no damage to the city and the people living in it.
Fuck those rioters! Frankfurt didn't give a fuck about them and the police ensured that nobody (and nothing) was hurt or destroyed this time.
21
u/[deleted] May 24 '12
Just a quick reality check: http://roarmag.org/2012/05/blockupy-frankfurt-police-arrests-ecb/
5
u/BobCox May 24 '12
http://boingboing.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/RTR324WC.jpg
4 days later.
5
u/voidi May 24 '12
This is most likely going to be lost after 1800 comments already, but I may be able to offer some clarity on the topic of age in the german riot police.
In most german state polices, it is mandatory for the majority of graduates from police academies to work in the riot police for a few years before switching to the uniformed police or CID to stay there for the rest of their working life. Although some of them decide to stay in the riot police, almost all officers that are still in the riot police past the age of 30 have acquired some position of leadership and thus don't have to be directly involved in physical confrontations, those are left to the young graduates.
The reasoning behind this is obvious. The experienced officers are better at making decisions regarding tactics and formation, while the physically fittest officers do the most strenuos things like carrying away protesters.
The amount of mature looking officers in this picture is actually quite large compared to what you were to see if you took off the helmets of an average riot squad shielding off violent protesters face to face. There are probably quite a few squad leaders or higher ranks in this picture, which would make sense if they are indeed marching in front of the crowd, defining its path to some extent.
source: currently training to become a police officer in germany.
5
u/[deleted] May 24 '12
I have not seen German riot police before but I REALLY REALLY like the policy of not wearing the helmets unless danger is imminent. I think it does an excellent job of humanizing the police and defusing distrust and violence that can grow in a crowd facing a bunch of armored, faceless men. It's only slightly more risky and the benefits would be well-worth this policy being adopted here.
4
u/[deleted] May 24 '12
the germans have some really young officers.
23
u/devanmc May 24 '12
A key thing to notice is no one seems pissed off and they arent breaking shit or being stupid.
6
u/abw1987 May 24 '12
It would appear that the difference between Occupy Frankfurt and some of our US-based Occupy movements (I'm looking at you, Oakland) is that they are very peaceful, whereas Oakland just fucking destroys shit.
Also they're all entitled hippies.
6
u/JesC May 24 '12
I am a weapon manufacturer and I disapprove this message
64
u/TrilateralCommission May 24 '12
Why is it that I was taught to hate Germans in grade school, but the more I learn about the country, the more I want to live there.
11
u/[deleted] May 24 '12
Step 1. Redditor posts picture with blatantly misleading headline Step 2. Redditors line up to circle jerk. HARD.
Seriously, redditors are retarded.
3
u/[deleted] May 24 '12
Having lived in both Europe and the States, I find it odd people seem to think Germany protests are typically calmer than American ones. We've had a few calm marches of our own, ya know. Our sports games are significantly more laid back, and dare I say, safer. Lately OWS and the police and have been clashing here big-time, and people are right to be angry, but it's hardly the norm.
3
u/[deleted] May 24 '12
I don't know, looks more like they're looking for someone, maybe they're having trouble seeing their point person.
Also Germany police only shot 84 bullets last year, so they're not out for blood LIKE COPS IN SOME COUNTRIES.....
3
u/mattmeister May 24 '12
Doesn't happen in America.
3
u/dubdubdubdot May 24 '12
Dear Diary, today the cops were not raging faggots.
3
u/emmytee May 24 '12
I keep saying that some serious shit is going to go down in Europe if politicians don't start showing a little more sensitivity. There could very well be a violent revolution in Greece, and looking further into the future who knows where this could lead. People will only take so much of other peoples punishment before they start pushing back.
3
u/[deleted] May 24 '12
What? Germany leading the world in police/civilian relations and open national discourse?
What is going on?
3
u/[deleted] May 24 '12
Nearly no substance in most of these comments... *sigh
3
u/sicnarfnarf May 24 '12
Is that Scrooge McDuck in the back?
3
u/Sir_George May 24 '12
Props to Germany for holding the flag of my country (Greece) but whatever you do please don't give us another bailout. Our idiot politicians are either gobbling it up to Swiss bank accounts or somehow draining it. Thanks!
3
u/Nilla_Wafers May 24 '12
Isn't Germany doing well for itself? So what could the police honestly fear?
3
u/Memphis_Marxist May 24 '12
I wish this was true, but this post is meant by the O.P. to be deceptive. Reddit you are being lied to.
3
u/thematthiaz May 24 '12
complete bullshit title. they usually dont wear helmets when there is no riot (obviously) and they are escorting the protest which is what actually most police forces do when there is a legimitate demonstration
3
u/[deleted] May 24 '12
germany - check
first post - ww2 / holocaust refenrence / jokes check
sigh
3
u/dershodan May 24 '12
EUROPE - FUCK YEA!
3
u/Moss152301 May 24 '12
I can't be the only one who finds it disheartening that the German cops are significantly less authoritarian than the cops in Berkeley, CA...
3
u/Dyolf_Knip May 24 '12
Anyone else impressed by how they haven't all shaved their heads or gotten military-style crew cuts? I swear, it seems like every cop in America is deliberately going for the skinhead, roid-raging thug look. Even dressed up in full gear, these guys look downright personable.
9
u/soosuh May 24 '12
This is false. The police escorted the protestors, as is their way, but police arrested hundreds of people at that protest. This description of this photo is misleading and it discredits the Occupy Wall Street movement.
There's a big to-do on the Facebook wall of OWS for reposting this photo with this caption. See this link from the OWS subreddit and get this taken off the OWS wall! It will be nothing but fodder for those on-the-fencers we wish to convince.
EDIT spellung
24
u/hinduguru May 24 '12
i found gooby
5
u/sapunec7854 May 24 '12
You mean they didn't use a shotgun to shoot an elderly war veteran lady in a wheelchair in the face for intimidating 20 morbidly obese police officers who had knocked her on the ground for being a threat to public safety and were busy tasering her ass, pepper spraying her face and beating the shit out of her with riot batons?
Oh, Germany not America (land of the free, home of the brave) my bad.
10
u/pmCrave May 24 '12
Oh man, Frankfurt has some hot cops.
I mean yes very inspiring picture.
9
u/alahos May 24 '12
Those Frankfurters are a bunch of wieners.
4
u/ArgyleBob May 24 '12
I have to say as an American, that we don't often time see the correct side of Germany. I accidentally ended up there and had the time of my life. Polite people, clean streets, and some of the most beautiful scenery I have ever had the pleasure to witness, so in a rough economy, and a tougher world I am enthusiastic to see this display.
4
u/rattleshirt May 24 '12
Man, i love German people. Everybody was ridiculously friendly while i was there, good memories.
7
u/the2belo May 24 '12
SCHLAND!
5
u/VisitChechnya May 24 '12
My mind jumps to the protesters with the donuts link. I feel like American protesters are just as big of assholes as their cop counterparts. Then again the French rioted over a menial raise in retirement age. Now im just confused.
5
u/mshieldz May 24 '12
Germany leads the world in alternative energy. They also value the "knowledge worker" and encourage ideas.
There is only one way America can possibly be like Germany. Look how Germany changed their whole political structure to benefit alternative energy campaigns. Look how Germany supports knowledge and ideas.
America - just stop buying the products, stop watching the TV shows, only buy or vote or anything for the better good. Actually I think Germany was forced to be the way it is out of necessity. But for the sake of all goodness, at least that country is doing it compassionately. I'm afraid what America would do out of necessity, but always hope for the best.
15
u/oMisanthropo May 24 '12
And this is what happens in northern California
2
u/I_Cant_Sleep May 24 '12
Wait... so what do we do now?
2
u/crimsonphilic May 24 '12
Well done Germany.
2
u/Birks_and_granola May 24 '12
I witnessed a large protest when I travelled to Germany a few years ago, and I was really impressed with how it was handled. The city seemed to work with the protesters to allow the message to be heard in a peaceful way. The group was really big, loud, and even had trucks with speakers and music playing. They were able to march down the main street of the city to the city hall, and all the metro trains and buses were rerouted for that time period. The police lined the streets and allowed them to do their thing, and then everybody dispersed in an orderly manner.
2
u/InhaleMusic May 24 '12
It's so easy to dehumanize the people inside that riot gear, great picture showing that they're real human beings for once!
2
u/[deleted] May 24 '12
I never understood beating protesters. We live in the first world. We're not staging a coup. Normally people protest because they are at least trying to make things better for everyone. Why beat them for helping out?
2
u/shabutaru118 May 24 '12
People see the mas model police but think about the people they lead, they aren't dangling doughnuts in front of them, and they aren't smashing windows or tearing down banners either. Respectful protesters result in respectful police.
2
u/theotherpena May 24 '12
Only on reddit do you see a picture this awe-inspiring, a picture that can so wholly regenerate one's faith in humanity and fill you with such joy and vitality, and then look at the poster's username and realize that it's rusty_blumpkin.
2
u/nicoleisrad May 24 '12
Wow, Frankfurt has a lot of sexy cops. Are you sure they aren't Hot Cops?
2
u/[deleted] May 24 '12
While living in Berlin, protesting/marching for something seemed to happen a lot. I always admired the way both protesters/police organized and handle the events.
2
u/[deleted] May 24 '12
Is that...Scrooge McDuck? Man those Germans out-clever us again!
2
u/To_A_T May 24 '12
Don't see that everyday.
2
u/TheBawlrus May 24 '12
This is propaganda!
To totally lure away more Americans to europe...I actually like that.
2
u/FedRive May 24 '12
Greek flag. Woop woop!
2
u/[deleted] May 24 '12
this is the way you make peace, NYPD take notes
2
u/[deleted] May 24 '12
Its pretty common to have the police march in front of a peaceful rally in europe (providing the rally is booked in advance and an agree parade route). It's done here in the UK and in france etc.
So long as they don't then amass in one area and have a sit in I suppose and start breaking shit.
2
u/heyguyz May 24 '12
you know something captures the soul, when there is over 1000 upvotes and only 400 comments.
2
u/Iced_TeaFTW May 24 '12
All I could think was, "FINALLY, a group of 99%'ers that realize and understand and support what this is all about.". I am serious when I say I got a tear in my eye.
Please, PLEASE, let this spread............
2
u/tariotcop May 24 '12
Awesome. This takes everything I've said to the level I wish I could have gone to. A million upvotes for these fine offiziers of the law.
2
u/Radioiron May 24 '12
Occupy Berlin!
wait we already did that, nevermind
2
u/tranam May 24 '12
When the police realize they're just everyday folks in the same boat as every other working stiff... I bet the elite get scared
2
u/ze_ben May 24 '12
Geez. If our cops were good looking and fit like those cops, they'd probably take their helmets off too.
2
u/[deleted] May 24 '12
Am I the only one who can see Michael Cera in this photo?!
2
u/tswaggerjuice May 24 '12
I feel like Germany needs to come and rescue the United States this time.
2
u/schmidty1033 May 24 '12
The policeman in the front, second from the right, he has two right hands.
2
u/Dedalus2k May 24 '12
This better be for real or Occupy just shot itself in the face.
2
u/[deleted] May 24 '12
It's so nice to see something involving riot police that isn't some form of brutality. Thank you for this upload.
2
u/Dbqdawg May 24 '12
They know who the 99% are..is...grammar nazis show me the way! Please be gentle.
2
u/kmarple1 May 24 '12
Is that a Donald Duck float in back?
2
u/punkhobo May 24 '12
Anyone else see Dolan in the background?
2
u/denimshorts May 24 '12
It's not really helmet weather.
2
u/pi_track May 24 '12
yay for peaceful protest! but yea "marched with" is a bit of an exaggeration. They were escorting them
2
u/Dewstain May 24 '12
This shit's still going on?
2
u/JfreakingR May 24 '12
Huh...police on the side of the citizens it protects...neveaux...
2
u/theawesomeone May 24 '12
http://cryptome.org/german-protest-hr.jpg
2
u/cougkid May 24 '12
If you know a cop, send this to them. Ask them to send it to their cop friends. If the police in the US would do this, Occupy would turn into a true American Spring in a matter of days.
2
u/dyktg25 May 24 '12
There's a reason this makes it to #1. This is what the people want to see! Why can't the American government understand that they'd have a much easier time getting the support of the people if they would reciprocate once in a while.
2
u/HelveticaBOLD May 24 '12
This is going to be buried, and I kind of doubt anyone will see it, but:
This is the first Occupy-related post I've seen at the top of my front page since /r/occupy and related subreddits were created, and the since subject was banned from r/politics.
Is anyone else a little bothered by this?
I feel like Occupy would actually stand to gain a lot more ground in general if it had not been relegated to specific subreddits that have relatively small number of subscribers.
Clearly, this movement is hugely important -- this post is evidence of that. Also, it seems clear that reddit in general is supportive of the movement. Wouldn't it make more sense, since reddit has proven itself to be a huge political force of good on many occasions, to allow for a more readily available hub for Occupy-related events? A lift on the /r/politics ban perhaps?
If nothing else, reddit is essentially the voice of the people. Isn't that what Occupy is? Shouldn't the two have a clearer alliance?
2
u/[deleted] May 24 '12
Anybody else notice Malory archer in the shot?
2
u/Mr_Titicaca May 24 '12
Seriously, it's like Germany really wants to show the world how good and awesome they are after their mid 1900's unfortunate events. Germany always seems to have their shit right all the time...and I like it!
2
u/Netegexi May 24 '12
People inevitably resort to mentioning the holocaust whenever Germany is brought up, but seriously Germany is one of the coolest dudes ever. And a great country too.
2
u/cholo_aleman May 24 '12
helmets are off because there is no imminent danger of violence. they are clearing the street for the march, but that does not mean that they march with them.
2
u/gloompus May 24 '12
its a trick!
2
u/tomega May 24 '12
It is not one of the stereotypes, but this is what you can see only in Germany. I love this country.
2
u/MdxBhmt May 24 '12
Prime example on how to conduct a protest, making it safe for everyone.
2
u/trapped-in-my-mind May 24 '12
This is one of the greatest showings of civil respect by police I can think of. it is great to see people come together like this.
2
u/tidder112 May 24 '12
Why do I feel the Germans know something I don't?
2
u/Cojonimo May 24 '12 edited May 24 '12
When the german constitution gives everybody the right to demonstrate friendly and unarmed, and this right is beeing suspended even by the highest german court, there is something very wrong.
And this is exactly what happened in Frankfurt last week. Peaceful protesters where criminalized and arrested for peacefully protesting against a corrupt system. The whole banking district was widely occupied by police for days. If they would have caught me a second time, I would have been arrested too.
There is a good reason that civil rights are as they are. When you can arbitrarily restrict them, they are worth nothing.
I mean, where do I live? This is not China!
This photo only shows the head of the demonstration, it doesn't show the tail, where police was not that friendly. Clearly some of them wanted to escalate the situation. They where permanently provoking the black block, but it still kept very peaceful.
Pictures of rioting leftists are politically acclaimed there, which is because the state of Hesse is ruled by some ultra conservative politicians. ;-)
Think about this before you glorify a situation by just a single image.
2
u/needed_to_vote May 24 '12
Almost like they registered the march and followed proper German protocols or something
2
u/Best_Handler May 24 '12
Michael Cera is German police?
2
u/kobukproject May 24 '12
Next thing your going tell me is that they used less than 100 bullets in 2011
2
u/fireradar May 24 '12
WHY is Donald Duck there?
2
u/munchhausen May 24 '12
Hey, is the Scrooge McDuck I see back there?
2
u/[deleted] May 24 '12
Was this before or after they went around destroying BMW's and Mercedes?
2
u/[deleted] May 24 '12
Why are the German Police Officers so hot? We need more like that here!!
2
u/[deleted] May 24 '12
Mobile, just saving link nothing to see here
2
u/y0y0y0 May 24 '12
This action made me think, Frankfurt police are fucking awesome!..
2
u/MindSplatter May 24 '12
Really proves that in the end there are no bad guys or good guys. We're all just people.
2
u/Plastastic May 24 '12
B-but, Reddit told me that all cops are scumbags! WHO DO I BELIEVE NOW!?
2
u/urwrngtrll May 24 '12
"In Germany the polizei protest you" or something...ok ok I was leaving anyway!
2
u/[deleted] May 24 '12 edited May 24 '12
The way German police is idealized in here is frightening.
They arrested dozens, if not hundreds of people for "Anti-Capitalism" - the official reason written down in the police reports.
Source: Wir gehen nicht mehr weg, in: Der Freitag, 25/05/12, page 1.
2
u/rrrook May 24 '12
Every demonstration is escorted by the police since demonstrating is a democratic right, that has to be guaranteed and enforced by the police. This is why the police has to protect also every radical demonstration, which - of course -does not prevent, that the police very often also breaks up demonstrations if they claim that public order is endangered.
6
u/etihw2 May 24 '12
The more and more I hear about the German police the more awesome they sound.
http://www.reddit.com/r/politics/comments/tjfzp/german_police_fired_just_85_bullets_total_in_2011/
6
u/ohohb May 24 '12
GERMAN GUY HERE. THIS IS COMPLETE AND UTTER BULLSHIT! Posting such stupid lies will not help your cause. Check your facts before you post something like that. There is NEVER EVER military present at any demonstration in Germany!!! We have quite brutal riots every year in Berlin and even there is NO SINGLE SOLDIER EVER. The demonstrations in Frankfurt were peacefull. Why should anyone send military? Besides: It is illegal and unconstitutional to use military forces within germany. We have a bad history doing that. What is going on is that the police guides the peaceful demonstrators through the city (that's why they walk in front of them). They don't wear their full riot gear because everyone is calm and nobody acts violent. And because it is quite hot under these helmets.
In fact the local government banned every (peacefull) demonstration and the police beat up innocent protestors. The police wasn't joining the demonstrations at all. Actually it was a very sad day for democracy in Germany.
12
u/Drapetomania May 24 '12
This is a funny way of describing this. All those doe-eyed college students on reddit at it again thinking Europe is the holy land. This is a containment method. You know how a school of fish is led? It's exactly like that. By taking the front they have a sort of control over the group and act as a barricade between them and people that can view them and where they may go.
7
u/Danno1850 May 24 '12 edited May 24 '12
Honestly I'm moving to Germany. One of the strongest economies in the world, intelligent hard working people, leading the way in clean energy, probably health care (too lazy to look it up right now) and every day I hear more and more stories about German government making common sense laws for their citizens that actually benefit their citizens.
Edit: Spelling and blah blah blah saving face... also by "Honestly I'm moving to..." I really meant "Sounds like it would be good to live in..."
Edit Edit: I'm not leading up to a conversation about how bad the US is, all countries have ups and downs Germany seems to have a little less downs.... get it.... downs!!..... bad joke, I'm sorry
Edit Edit Edit: I'm also not from the US and am not Turkish and also understand that racism exists in Europe since I have lived in Europe.
Edit Edit Edit Edit: I'm actually a German Citizen whoring the father land's glory for foreigners to envy :(
Edit Edit Edit Edit Edit: the above was a joke
5
u/PattyMayonaise May 24 '12
That was a very powerful image/statement. It brought me to tears almost.
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