Protesters Gather for Large Demonstration - "United in remembrance: Mannheim honors knife attack victims"
People came together in Mannheim for a gathering to honor a police officer who was killed during a knife attack. The demonstration took place at the Old Market Square by the Neckar, where posters were displayed with messages like "Against hate and hatred" and "United we stand strong." The event was organized by the German Trade Union Confederation and other democratic partners, religious groups, and members of civil society.
On the previous Friday (31 May), a 25-year-old Afghan man stabbed five participants in a demo by the group Pax Europa and a police officer named Rouven Laur at the Mannheim marketplace. Sadly, the 29-year-old officer later passed away due to his injuries.
"Tribute to the fallen"
One participant shared, "We're here to support the family on this challenging day. This gathering allows us to give our tribute to the fallen." Someone else described the attack as a "wound that will not heal quickly." "The city will never forget this," they added. The city administration mentioned that around 2,500 people had signed up for the remembrance event.
Later that day, another rally organized by the "Mannheim against the Right" alliance was set to take place at the same location. Around 500 people had registered for this. Afterward, approximately 800 participants – the same number that registered – intended to walk to the Parade Square in protest of a planned AfD demonstration there. There was also a call for a counter-protest by Antifa.
AfD demonstration disallowed
The AfD is no longer permitted to demonstrate at the marketplace - a court ruling in favor of the city of Mannheim overturned a previous court decision that granted authorization for a demonstration at the crime scene.
Earlier that day, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the Minister President of Baden-Württemberg, Winfried Kretschmann (Greens), and the Baden-Württemberg Interior Minister, Thomas Strobl (CDU), had joined a memorial service for the police officer at the marketplace.
