The Democracy Prize, which was presented for the first time in Wiesbaden, honors people and organizations who stand up for a democratic society.
Wiesbaden – After the award ceremony of the Walter Lübcke Democracy Prize, which was awarded for the first time, had to be postponed last year due to the corona pandemic, the three previous year’s winners received their awards on Sunday (October 31, 2021). The award launched by the State of Hesse last autumn was presented by Prime Minister Volker Bouffier.
The ZDF journalist Dunja Hayali, who has been dealing with social issues for years and has repeatedly been the target of hatred and agitation, and Robert Erkan for his commitment to looking after relatives of the victims of the terrorist attack in Hanau were honored for her commitment to democracy the association “Mobile advisory team against right-wing extremism and racism – for democratic culture in Hesse”.
Walter Lübcke Democracy Prize 2020: Courage for social conflict issues
As a prominent first prize winner, the 47-year-old Hayali received the award for “her journalistic style and her courage to aggressively tackle social conflict issues as well as for her commitment to social coexistence,” explained Bouffier at the award ceremony. When receiving the award, Hayali spoke of a “very special appreciation”. The hostility is not directed against minorities, but is “an attack on us all”. At some point everyone will be a target. “This democracy cannot be taken for granted.”
Robert Erkan, who works in the team to coordinate victim counseling for survivors and victims of the terrorist attack in Hanau, was honored for his commitment after the racist attack. He is a role model for active integration and “mediator between religions”. Due to his multilingualism, he was particularly successful in being the contact person for the victims and helping them.
Team against right-wing extremism and racism receives Walter Lübcke democracy prize
As the third winner, Bouffier honored the association “Mobile advisory team against right-wing extremism and racism – for democratic culture in Hesse”. The educational work is important in order to take decisive action against right-wing extremist currents, explained Bouffier. In addition, the association collects background information about the neo-Nazi scene and offers seminars in the area of regional democratization processes.
The Walter Lübcke Democracy Prize is now to be awarded every two years and, in memory of the Kassel District President Walter Lübcke, who was murdered by a right-wing extremist, honors people who are particularly committed to the values of democracy. Lübcke was shot at close range on his terrace in 2019. In January 2021, the Frankfurt am Main Higher Regional Court sentenced right-wing extremist Stephan E. to the maximum sentence in the murder trial. The co-defendant Markus H. was acquitted of the charge of psychological aid. (ska / AFP)
