“Solingen Tragedy Continues to Haunt Germany 30 Years Later – Last Minute World News”
Victims’ Families Speak Out as Perpetrators of Solingen Arson Attack Are Released from Prison
The families of the victims of the Solingen arson attack, which occurred in Germany on May 29th, 1993, have spoken out against the early release of the perpetrators from prison. Markus Gartmann, Felix Köhnen, Christian Reher, and Christian Buchholz were sentenced to ten and fifteen years in prison due to the youth law, with one of them having their sentence reduced to seven years due to good behavior. The attackers, whose identities remain confidential, were released after serving their prison sentences.
Kamil Genç, who lost his mother Mevlüde Genç in the attack, spoke out about the early release, stating, “Of course, what happens is to us victims.” Genç also drew attention to the increasing number of racist attacks, particularly in Western countries, stating that as long as extreme right-wing individuals are involved in politics and parliament, such attacks cannot be prevented. He stressed the importance of standing in unity and solidarity against such violence.
In addition, the Genç family has requested that a school be named after Mevlüde Genç in honor of her memory. The Municipality of Solingen has responded positively to the suggestion, although the exact time for the renaming has not yet been determined.
The Solingen arson attack claimed the lives of Gürsün İnce, Hatice Genç, Gülistan Öztürk, Hülya, and Saime Genç. The attack remains a tragedy and a reminder of the need for unity and vigilance against racism and violence.
