Police minimize Berlin opera threat

BERLIN – Police said Thursday there would be no “concrete danger” in resuming performances of a Mozart opera canceled over security concerns because of a scene showing the severed head of the Prophet Muhammad.

The Deutsche Oper Berlin had dropped this fall’s four performances of “Idomeneo” after a vague security warning, prompting a furious debate about free speech in Germany and widespread criticism of the cancellation.

“A concrete danger for the Deutsche Oper or those working with it is not seen at the present time,” a police statement said.

Opera officials have said they would not restage the production by director Hans Neuenfels without a new security assessment from police. Opera officials could not immediately be reached after the police announcement.

The police statement said that “what possible measures may be taken by the police or the Deutsche Oper will be discussed in consideration of the situation close to the date of the performance.”

It said the findings had been given in writing to the opera and discussed with them.