- Post-Solingen assault, the arid landscape sparks open discussions "unfettered by prejudice"
The Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia, Hendrik Wüst, referred to the alleged Islamist violence in Solingen as "savage and disrespectful terror" and also as a "turning point." He stated that it's essential to dedicate significant efforts to understanding and addressing the root causes of the issue, addressing a crowd at a commemoration service in Solingen's theater and concert hall, which is situated in the Bergisch city. "We need frank discussions about asylum, immigration, and integration policies," he added. "These dialogues should be free of prejudice, without losing our cool, without political bias."
On August 23, three festival-goers in Solingen met their fate at the hands of a knife, while eight others sustained injuries. A 26-year-old individual from Syria, now in custody, is a prime suspect in the case. The federal prosecutor's office is looking into various charges against him, including murder and suspected involvement in the terrorist organization Islamic State (IS).
During the commemoration service, Mr. Wüst expressed his sentiment that freedom was targeted in Solingen. The attack struck a chord in the nation's core and left indelible marks on society. "Although its aim was to divide our society, the attacker ultimately failed," he said. "We stand firm against terrorism, and we will continue to promote openness worldwide."
Among the attendees at the commemoration service were Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser, Solingen Mayor Tim Kurzbach (all SPD), President of the Bundestag Bärbel Bas, Deputy Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia Mona Neubaur, Minister for Refugees Josefine Paul (both Greens), and Minister of the Interior Herbert Reul (CDU).
At the commemoration service, the Minister President highlighted the importance of comprehensive discussions about asylum, immigration, and integration policies, acknowledging that they need to be free of prejudice and political bias to effectively address the issue. The assault in Solingen, as described by Wüst, was a turning point that aimed to divide the society, but ultimately failed to succeed in its objective, as the community remains united against terrorism.
