Commemoration - Appeal in memory of Muslim woman killed in Dresden court
15 years after the lethal attack on a young Egyptian woman at the Dresden Regional Court, racist hostility towards Muslims remains a reality in Saxony. There has been a steady increase, "primarily against Muslim women or those perceived as Muslim," said Justice Minister Katja Meier (Greens) at the annual commemoration on July 1st at the crime scene. "This day stands for an unimaginable crime in Saxon history and unfortunately also in Saxon justice."
July 1st is an occasion to reflect together on the social causes and conditions "for such a terrible crime." Racist worldviews have their roots in structural inequalities, unconscious practices, and thought patterns, "which are unfortunately deeply ingrained in our society." Engaging with this issue is, even in the face of antidemocratic currents, a responsibility, "not only due to such violent outbursts."
Court attack
At a memorial plaque in the courthouse foyer, representatives of the Free State, the state capital, and civil society paid tribute to pharmacist Marwa El-Sherbini with white roses and wreaths. She "confronted hatred and became a victim of a heinous racist crime," said Meier. Remembering her is a reminder and a call to action for society to never underestimate the destructive consequences of hateful ideologies for democracy and to stand up against them.
El-Sherbini had previously reported a man for racist insults. In the appeal trial on July 1, 2009, during which she testified as a witness, the defendant stabbed the pregnant 31-year-old in front of her young son with a knife and seriously injured her husband. The crime caused shock in Germany and protests in the Islamic world. The perpetrator was later sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and had the aggravating circumstances of the crime acknowledged. Since 2015, July 1 has been the Day Against Antimuslim Racism in Germany.
Antimuslim racism is rampant
"This issue has not lost its relevance, quite the contrary," said Azim Semizoglu from the Anti-Antimuslim Racism Alliance Saxony. The approval of such attitudes is consistently high. So, 55% of the population in the Free State agreed with the demand that Muslims be banned from immigrating to Germany, 54% felt "sometimes like strangers in their own country," and about a fifth regarded Islam as inherently threatening.
In antimuslim racism, foreignness or even hostility is deliberately constructed through the assignment of largely unchanging, backward, and threatening characteristics. Opening doors is essential for a socially diverse society – and it might be a positive moment for justice if it were represented by a judge or prosecutor who wears a headscarf.
Further information [
Image: Marwa El-Sherbini Memorial PlaqueAnti-Antimuslim Racism Alliance Saxony
- The incident at the Dresden Regional Court, a reminder of Saxony's dark past, was an act of extremism against a Muslim woman, Marwa El-Sherbini.
- Justice Minister Katja Meier highlighted that the issue of antimuslim racism, particularly against women perceived as Muslim, remains prevalent in German society, including in the region of Saxony.
- The perpetrator, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for his crime, demonstrated the destructive consequences of hateful ideologies on democracy and society.
- The anniversary of El-Sherbini's death on July 1st serves as a call to action to embrace diversity, challenge structural inequalities, and combat antimuslim racism.
- The Free State of Saxony and civil society gather annually to honor El-Sherbini's memory and reaffirm their commitment to fighting hate crimes and promoting social cohesion.
- The Regional Court, a symbol of justice in Dresden, plays a crucial role in creating an environment that upholds the values and principles of an inclusive society, free from extremism and bigotry.
