Stabbing incident - Quiet memorial: Mannheim pays tribute to slain police officer.
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier honored police officer Rouven Laur, who was killed in Mannheim a week ago, at the location where the incident took place. Joining Steinmeier were Minister President Winfried Kretschmann (Greens) and Interior Minister Thomas Strobl (CDU) as they observed a moment of silence at 11:34 a.m. to commemorate Laur. Present were Laur's parents and other relatives. The police in Baden-Württemberg had requested a moment stillness.
A week earlier, a 25-year-old Afghan had assaulted five members of the anti-Islam group Pax Europa and fatally knifed the 29-year-old officer at the city square. Laur succumbed to his injuries the following day.
Steinmeier set down a floral tribute at the scene of the crime. In the 300,000-person populated city in north-western Baden-Württemberg, hundreds gathered on the square to pay their respects to Laur. Approximately 1,500-2,000 people were present. After the moment of silence, applause erupted on the square. Simultaneously, police officers in the state stood in silence.
In Mannheim, over fifty police officers gathered to pay respects to their sombre companion. As relayed by a police spokesperson, patrol officers from Mannheim Police Headquarters were front and center in front of the flower sea on the square, standing with their hands behind their backs during the colleague's memorial.
Countless police officers sported blue ribbons on their uniforms. The German Police Union urged the usage of blue ribbons as "a symbol of mourning, an emblem of solidarity and a visible affront to violence."
In the afternoon, public gatherings and rallies were scheduled in Mannheim. There was a rally at 4:30 p.m. organised by the German Trades Union Confederation (Mannheim division) and representatives from democratic political parties and religious groups.
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) planned a demonstration at 6 p.m. against Islamism. Simultaneously, an antifascist march was planned by the 'Mannheim against the Right' coalition. There was uncertainty if the AfD would proceed with their demonstration on the market square as initially planned. On Thursday, the Administrative Court of Karlsruhe ruled in favor of the AfD's emergency application against the city-wide disallowance of events - including public demonstrations - on the square, which was transformed into a temporary memorial for the late police officer. Mannheim petitioned against the court's decision, preferring the demonstration to take place on the nearby parade ground.
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- The incident sparked a wave of condemnation from various political leaders in Germany, including Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier who strongly denounced the act of extremism.
- The marketplace in Mannheim, usually bustling with activity, was surprisingly quiet on Sunday as people gathered for the memorial service for the slain police officer.
- Following the incident, there were calls for increased security measures in the marketplace and other public spaces to prevent such crimes from happening again.
- The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) planned to hold demonstrations against extremism and Islamism in several German cities, including Mannheim, but their plans were met with opposition and controversy.
- The marketplace in Mannheim had become a symbol of unity and solidarity after the crime, with people from all walks of life coming together to pay their respects to the fallen police officer.
- The demonstrations in Mannheim on Sunday were a stark reminder of the simmering tensions and political polarization in Germany's society, with protesters from both sides of the divide taking to the streets.
- In response to the court's decision, the city of Mannheim urged citizens to maintain peace and order during the demonstrations and to prioritize the safety and security of all individuals involved.
- The incident in Mannheim highlighted the urgent need for Germany to address the issue of extremism and to promote a culture of tolerance and inclusivity in its society.
