Mannheim Experiences Increased Sales Through Timely Branding Mannheim has recently experienced a significant boost in sales through strategic and timely branding. - Steinmeier Attends Moment of Silence as AfD Launches Legal Action against Demonstration Ban
Mannheim is getting ready for a day of remembrance following the tragic knife attack on the market square that took the life of a police officer a week ago. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (SPD) is scheduled to show up on Friday for a moment of silence at 11:34 am, to be held on the market square. The city's Minister President Winfried Kretschmann (Greens) and Interior Minister Thomas Strobl (CDU) will also be present.
On Thursday, the Administrative Court in Karlsruhe was meant to decide on an emergency petition by AfD against a city ban of events on the market square, which was imposed following the lethal assault. AfD has made plans for a protest against Islamism at 6 pm on Friday.
Last week, a 25-year-old Afghan killed five protesters from the anti-Islam movement Pax Europa and a police officer during a rally. The police officer eventually passed away due to his injuries.
In response to this incident and the pending judgment, AfD state chairman Markus Frohnmaier stated on Wednesday, "We're planning to demonstrate two days before the European elections in the very place where the Islamic terror has struck to send a firm political message everywhere in the Republic." A counter-protest by Antifa is also scheduled for the same time.
Mayor Christian Specht (CDU) of Mannheim commented on the situation saying, "I think it's crucial for us as a city society to have the tranquility required to remember the deceased and those injured by the attacker."
The city initiated a no-demonstration and assembly order on the market square and proclaimed it a memorial site for the slain police officer.
At first, the AfD was offered the nearby Paradeplatz as an alternative location for their protest, but they initially refused. However, if the Administrative Court doesn't rule in their favor, they have threatened to move their rally to Paradeplatz.
Although there are other organizations that had organized rallies on the market square, they have either relocated or canceled their events.
Afternoon rallies are also planned for other locations, including "Mannheim Stands Together - for Democracy and Diversity," initiated by the German Trade Union Confederation and democratic parties.
The German Police Union has urged the display of a mourning flag during the European Championship. "The name of the fallen colleague will be present all across Germany, as a symbol against violence against the police, in memory of him and many other murdered colleagues, as well as a visible sign against violence," declared union chairman Rainer Wendt. The union has also asked the population to wear blue ribbons as a sign of mourning, solidarity, and a clear statement against violence. The union previously requested that blue ribbons be worn by policemen during the European Championship.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz vowed to take severe action against violence in response to a deadly knife attack and warned of stricter consequences. "Those who wish to enjoy freedom and tranquility in Germany should not be afraid. However, those who seek to jeopardize our freedom and disturb the peace will be frightened," said the SPD politician in a federal statement in the German Parliament. Scholz also wants to allow the deportation of offenders in Afghanistan and Syria again, according to his statements. "Serious criminals and terrorist threats remain unaffected by the recent developments."
Minister Interior Strobl has insisted on deportations to Afghanistan and Syria, despite concerns raised by the Green Party members. Finance Minister Danyal Bayaz (Greens) has also supported the idea of considering deportations of criminals or threats to Afghanistan. "It would be unbearable if serious offenders could not be deported after they have served their sentence here. It wouldn't be acceptable to people after this kind of incident," Bayaz expressed on t-online.
The state government has requested the participation of employees from ministries and the state parliament in the moment of silence on Friday. Similarly, a letter with the same request was sent to municipal councils, city councils, and district councils, along with other subordinate areas of the ministries such as schools.
