BERLIN

German police on Monday dismantled a pro-Palestinian protest camp near the chancellor's office in Berlin, a move activists condemned as "a clear violation" of their democratic rights.

Several hundred police officers surrounded the area before protesters at the camp were ordered to dismantle it. Officers blocked additional supporters from joining as protesters took down their tents and collected their belongings.

"We're completely surrounded. Despite being a legal and registered protest, people are prevented from coming to the camp. This is a complete restriction of our right to assembly and protest," said Jara, a demonstrator who spoke with Anadolu at the scene.

She said authorities cited disturbing the chancellor's office as the reason for evacuating the camp, adding that it was a meaningless justification. "This is the very idea of protest. This is guaranteed by law in Germany. A protest can be disturbing and should be disturbing,” she stressed.

The group announced its plan to relocate their demonstration to Washington Square near Berlin's main train station.