Dispute in Halle - Antisemitism at Art University? Police investigating
After a physical altercation during the annual exhibition at Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design in Halle, the police are investigating two suspects. A police spokesperson confirmed this in response to an inquiry. The university is facing strong accusations of antisemitism in the aftermath of the incident.
The annual exhibition is the highlight of the event at the castle. Students present their latest works there, including a fashion show that took place this year.
Police investigating twice
According to the police, an incident occurred on July 13, the second day of the three-day event. "Preliminary police findings indicate that a 29-year-old visitor to the event was physically assaulted," the police spokesperson said.
A 26-year-old man is accused, the spokesperson added. Criminal investigations have been initiated against him. However, the man has also filed a complaint for assault against an unknown male person. Investigations are ongoing in this regard as well. The police did not provide further details about the case.
According to Young Forum Halle, a fight broke out over a so-called Palestinian scarf. The men involved were reportedly an employee of a security service and a man who visibly wore a Star of David tattoo. He was allegedly beaten and threatened. Young Forum Halle is part of the German-Israeli Society.
Counterstatement from the University
However, the university rejected the Young Forum's account through a statement. The man reportedly forcibly took the scarf from someone else and attacked them first, before being assaulted himself, the university stated. A mail was sent to students and staff at the castle following the forum's statement, asking for witness statements.
The forum spokesperson criticized the university's handling of the matter to the German Press Agency. With its counterstatement and witness appeal, the university took a partisan stance - "and that in a politically charged conflict. A counterstatement followed by a witness appeal overlays memories. It seems to us that one wants to get rid of the topic as quickly as possible," the spokesperson said.
Forum sees much bigger problem
The forum also discovered that there have been other antisemitic incidents at the castle in the past few months. So during a Holocaust lecture, the Holocaust was reportedly denigrated.
When asked, the castle declined to comment on the incident during the annual exhibition and the criticism. "The university administration of Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design Halle is waiting for further police investigations and new insights before making any statements," a spokesperson explained.
- The antisemitism accusation against Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design has gained significant attention following the incident at the annual exhibition.
- The police are not only investigating the physical altercation but also looking into potential cases of extremism within the University of the Arts.
- The presence of Antisemitism in the university is a concern that has been raised in light of the exhibitions and events held at Giebichenstein Castle.
- The annual exhibitions at Giebichenstein Castle are not only a showcase of Art but have also become a platform for confronting issues of Criminality and Extremism.
- The police investigation into the altercation during the annual exhibition has sparked a debate about Antisemitism and its presence in Saxony-Anhalt's educational institutions.
- The university's Annual exhibition is not only a celebration of Art but also a testament to the broader societal issues that need to be addressed, such as Antisemitism and Extremism.
- The presence of antisemitic incidents at the university, as reported by Young Forum Halle, raises questions about the university's commitment to combating such forms of Criminality and promoting a diverse and inclusive environment for its students.
