Berlin revokes citizenship of Palestinian man over Hamas-related Instagram posts

Abdallah A., a stateless Palestinian who arrived in Germany from Lebanon as a two-month-old in 1990, was granted German citizenship 35 years later. In autumn 2025, the Berlin State Office for Immigration revoked his citizenship after he posted two Instagram images allegedly expressing sympathy for Hamas. One post featured Hamas co-founder Sheikh Ahmad Yassin, a Palestinian flag, and a red heart; the other showed men in military garb looking out to sea, a green heart, and the words "Heroes of Palestine." Legal expert Dieter Gosewinkel criticized the move, arguing it creates a "second-class citizenship" and raises questions about the limits of nationality law and freedom of expression. The case highlights tensions between anti-terrorism measures and constitutional rights in Germany.