Thousands rally in Berlin against online sexual violence, pornographic deepfakes

2026.03.22 18:50 A protester holds a placard that reads “Silence protects abusers” during a rally at Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany on Sunday. Photo: EPA Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Berlin on Sunday to protest against online sexual violence and express solidarity with victims, amid heightened attention after a German celebrity came forward with allegations against a former partner. A newly formed group named Feminist Fight Club! called for protesters to assemble at the Brandenburg Gate amid a controversy over pornographic deepfakes in Germany. People held banners that read “Human rights online too” and “Turn the shame around”. Organisers said some 500 people had registered to take part in the demonstration, titled “Against sexualised digital violence – solidarity with all victims”. In the afternoon, police put the number of participants at about 6,700, while organisers estimated 13,000 people. Speakers highlighted the lasting impact of online abuse. Among the largely young demonstrators were several prominent politicians and public figures, including German climate activist Luisa Neubauer. She told the crowd: “I would love to just focus on the climate. But I can’t. Not in this society, at this time, and with these men.” Neubauer said she has required police protection at public events for the past five years due to threats, and that authorities have repeatedly warned her about stalkers both offline and online. The rally at Brandenburg Gate in Berlin took place under the motto “Against sexualised digital violence – Solidarity with all victims”. Photo: EPA She said an aid organisation told her that the internet is full of sexualised fake images of her – apparently created by men with violent fantasies, who are addicted to controlling and demeaning women. “As long as this violence persists, we will fight for laws that no longer protect the perpetrators but the victims,” she said. The rally also drew attention due to a high-profile case involving German

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