Halitplatz

"6 April is a dark and sad day in the history of our city and our constitutional state: 16 years ago today, on 6 April 2006, the Kassel citizen Halit Yozgat was treacherously shot dead. He was the ninth victim of a cruel series of murders that shook major German cities for six years. As we know today, perpetrated by the far-right terrorist group National Socialist Underground (NSU). Their inhuman base motive was xenophobia. Halit Yozgat was only 21 years old and still had so many plans and a promising future ahead of him," said Lord Mayor Christian Geselle on the occasion of a memorial service at Halitplatz. 

"We share the grief and pain of the relatives and friends. We feel this especially on the anniversary of his murder. That is why we stand together today at the side of the family and together as a city society that shows a strong stance for peaceful and solidary coexistence," said the Lord Mayor.

A very conscious reminder that at that time, investigations were carried out in the wrong direction for a long time. Many of the victims' families were exposed to false suspicions, which caused them further pain. 

Christian Geselle: "This was and is a sad chapter for our constitutional state. For the monstrous thing remains that these murders were only uncovered in November 2011." 

The NSU crimes, the attacks in Halle and Hanau and the murder of District President Dr. Walter Lübcke are both a reminder and a responsibility. Geselle: "These terrible deeds urge us to act consistently against any form of misanthropy, to be vigilant, to stand in solidarity with each other... Because these attacks not only violently tore loved ones to their deaths, they also applied to our democracy." 

In conclusion, Lord Mayor Christian Geselle appeals: "Dear citizens of Kassel, it must not be the case that people suffer because of extremist sentiments. Neither in the form of disparagement, discrimination, racist exclusions and hostility or anti-Semitism, nor in the form of violence. But right-wing extremists are getting louder and they dare to come out of cover more. This has become particularly clear in the protests against Corona measures. Right-wing extremists are mingling with the people. They spread history-denying theories and openly act in an inciting, racist and anti-Semitic manner.

This is another reason why we are calling for a reminder today of where delusion, hatred, agitation and violence can lead! We are also thinking of the people who are suffering under the Putin-led war against the Ukrainian people. Our solidarity and our help are also a contribution to freedom and democracy in Europe.

We can all also help to ensure that Kassel remains a peaceful home town for all of us. The good cooperation of the different religious communities makes an important contribution to this."