28.05.2018 Ι The arson attack in Solingen, in which five people died, marks the 25th anniversary of the fire. On the anniversary of the right-wing extremist act, IG Metall is committed to resolutely opposing racism and right-wing violence in Germany.
The attack in Solingen took place on the morning of May 29, 1993. The house of the Turkish family Genc burned. Five young women and girls suffocated and burned in the flames. Eight residents were seriously injured. The survivors and relatives of the victims are still suffering from the physical and psychological consequences.
The four young perpetrators who had infected the house during the night were convicted of murder. The attack – one of the most serious racist acts in the Federal Republic – caused worldwide horror. He shook the public. Solingen became a symbol of xenophobia and militant xenophobia. The IG Metall reminds together with other social organizations on the anniversary of the arson attack on the victims of Solingen.
The events of that time motivated many citizens to campaign against right-wing extremist violence. Many IG Metallers have also been involved in another non-violent society ever since. One of them is the works council Abdullah Yilmaz. The deputy chairman of the works council at the steel company Vallourec in Reisholz is one of the initiators of the commemoration ceremony for 25 years of Solingen on 29 May in Düsseldorf. “It was then that helpless people were murdered, which shocked me, which is why I became active,” says Yilmaz
He observes with concern that right-thinking has become acceptable again today. “It’s about rebuilding the trust of citizens with a migrant background into democratic institutions after Solingen and the NSU killings,” says Yilmaz, who is also deputy chairman of “Mosaik”, an association promoting intercultural dialogue. Yilmaz discusses the issue with employees in his company and explains it. “We are concerned that people can live anywhere without fear.”
The IG Metall discusses the issue of racism and right-wing violence and takes a position. With associations, initiatives and citizens, IG Metall is publicly calling for greater commitment to a respectful and solidary relationship. Strong and stable democracy depends on a strong commitment from civil society organizations and citizens.