“We need honest debates about violence in the police in Germany. We want to know exactly what happened that night, ” – the representative of Suraj Mailitafi initiatives“ Justice for the Lorenz ”. The body chambers of all the involved police officers: they were eliminated inside. “We do not want to get used to the fact that people, color people, kill violence in the police.”
The case provides sympathy throughout the country. In Berlin, Munich, Hanover and other cities, memorial events for Lorenta A. also occur at the same time.
Operators positioned themselves in front of the stage. Interest in the media is magnificent. The girlfriend of Lorenz’s mother was the first to say: “Thank you, who stood in the place where Lorenz was killed from Sunday and did not leave him alone. Thanks to the friends who washed his blood from the street on Sunday morning. ” She fights with tears. The mother herself cannot participate: “She cannot drink. She cannot eat. She cannot sleep. She is unlikely to put pain, anger and grief. ” In the past few days, a friend spoke with many mothers who, like themselves, have black children: “In their eyes, in their tears, in their hearts – the same fear and the same pain.” All of them are affected: “It should be the end.”
A peaceful demonstration
“Lorenz looked like my brother. He was a family for me, ”says a close friend in his speech and struggle. “And now he has left. Not because he was sick. Not because fate hit. But because the police shot him. ”
He did not want his friend to become statistics. “I do not want his name to be forgotten,” he continues, and gives the participants a message: “Take care of your people. Be there, ask, show love – as soon as you can. No one can guarantee that you still have a chance tomorrow. ”
Members of Muhamed Dramé, who shot a police officer in Dortmund in 2022, and Ori Jloo, who burned down in a police station in Dessau, also arrived and stopped. The demonstration is subsequently peaceful.
“We are very glad that so many people followed our appeal. This shows glaring solidarity. Not only here, in Oldenburg, but throughout Germany, ”says Mailitafi after the end of the event. “We hope that this demonstration gives the family a lot of effort in these difficult times.” But she was only the beginning: “We must continue to fight for justice. For Lorenz and for other victims of violence in the police. ”
Room for grief and anger
Many knew Lorenz in Oldenburg. The memorial for him in the center of Oldenburg now extends 20 meters. More and more candles, flowers and personal souvenirs are added. Many participants: Inside, place your demo signs next to him.
“Now there are many chambers of the camera,” said Pastor Jennifer Battram Arenchel. Woe was possible only to a limited degree in the last few days. That is why the churches, social associations and the city created the place of mourning: “A protected room to cry, to get angry.” Everyone can come and talk.
The camera teams disappeared at the end of the night, and the close friends of the Lorenz gathered at the memorial. The sign was between flowers for a long time: “You were a child of this city.” Oldenburg mourn.