After demonstration with IS symbolism: human chain for peace
Just over a week after the highly controversial rally in Essen, at which participants demonstrated for an Islamic caliphate, among other things, the city wants to form a long human chain for peace and reconciliation. The organizers are expecting around 2000 people at the Old Synagogue on Sunday evening (18:00). The appeal is supported by the Essen Alliance for Open-mindedness, which brings together the city administration, religious representatives, trade unions and companies.
"The glorification of violence - no matter who it comes from - must not be allowed in Essen," reads the appeal for the human chain. "The alliance condemns the terrorist attacks by Hamas. At the same time, it demands humanitarian aid for the people in the Gaza Strip." Speakers will include Essen's Lord Mayor Thomas Kufen (CDU).
Last Friday, 3,000 people took part in the demonstration, which had been registered as a pro-Palestine rally. Criminal proceedings are underway against the rally leader for incitement to hatred. According to the police, in addition to pro-Palestine flags, symbols and flags were also displayed that were very similar to the banned symbols of the Islamic State and the Taliban, but differed slightly. Women and men marched separately. According to the police, the demonstration was peaceful.
Interior politicians at federal and state level had called for the state to be able to take stronger action at such demonstrations. Mayor Kufen had accused the initiators of "spreading radical Islamist slogans".
Despite the peaceful demonstration, conflicts arose due to the display of IS-like symbols, sparking concerns about the promotion of violence. To address this issue, the city is organizing demonstrations of unity and reconciliation, aiming to prevent such conflicts in the future.
Source: www.dpa.com
