Memory of NSU attack: Cologne remembers with touching speeches
Memory of NSU attack: Cologne remembers with touching speeches
On June 10, 2025, the city of Cologne looked back on a dark day in its history: 21 years have passed since the right -wing terrorist attack by the National Socialist underground (NSU) in Keupstrasse. This attack, which took place on June 9, 2004, injured 22 people, including four. On the occasion of the sad anniversary, a memorial lesson took place under the organization of IG Keupstraße, in which Mayor Henriette Reker and the Turkish Consul General resigned wreaths. Reker emphasized the still important desire to finally realize the memorial on Keupstrasse and thus meet the victim of the attack.
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier also took part in the memorial event and addressed the people present. His appearance was briefly interrupted by an incident with an explosive dog that struck on a hydrant. After the area was cordoned off and checked, the event could still take place according to schedule. Steinmeier reminded of the tragic fates of the victims and found that the incorrect investigation after the attack continues to burden those affected.
keep the memory awake
"The stories and the pain of the people affected have to be honored," said Steinmeier. He called for a renewal of trust in the rule of law and sharply criticized the memories of the victims to have often moved into the background. As part of his speech, he also addressed the necessary observation and combating right -wing extremism, the dangers of which continue to affect society. The NSU attack has changed the perception of right-wing terrorism in Germany and underlined the importance of targeted measures to combat such violence.
The commemorative festival "Birlikte - stand together", which took place again this year, is not only a sign of commemoration, but also a cultural format that strengthens the community. At the festival, not only the terrible events of 2004 were discussed, it also offered space for dialogue and encounter. NRW's Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst was also present and apologized to the victims and the wrongly suspected. He explained that these serious mistakes of the authorities have to be processed.
A look at the causes
The deeper consideration of right -wing terrorism in Germany shows that the actions of the NSU and similar incidents are the result of a Germany -specific problem. Terrorism, especially right -wing terrorist, is characterized by an ideological orientation of nationalism and racism. If we visualize the story, it becomes clear that the right -wing terrorist structures have not arisen overnight. As early as the 1970s, violent attacks on political opponents and people with a migration background took place, which resulted in an increase in xenophobic violence in the following decades.
As a result, it can be seen that the current discussion about right -wing extremism and the need for systematic observation and fighting is long overdue. The analyzes of the past are essential and help to prevent future outbreaks of violence. In Cologne there is a memory of the NSU attack as a reminder for society to actively compete against these dangers. linked sources: Radio Köln , WDR , DetailsOrt Keupstraße, 51063 Köln, Deutschland Quellen