Radical ideology - The von Lübcke family urges politicians to show resilience.
The loved ones of slain CDU politician Walter Lübcke have asked active citizens not to be frightened in the lead-up to the fifth anniversary of the former Kassel district president's passing. Through a representative, they spoke to the German Press Agency and ensured that due to their first-hand experience with how speech can translate into action, they are appalled by the current attacks on politicians - be it threatening posts online or actual violence.
The family spoke out in support of all those affected and those defending our democracy, urging them not to be deterred by the assaults. "Hold your ground," they stressed, "stick to your beliefs and values, you're not alone." They also urged for improved safeguarding for those in the political arena.
They commented, "Political contact between politicians and citizens is crucial in a liberal democracy - Walter Lübcke frequently made efforts to connect with the community, not only during election periods." Although it's unrealistic to thwart all actions, more efforts must be taken to ensure the safety of both full-time and honorary politicians and elected officials. Their personal experience has vividly illustrated the consequences of a lack of protection.
Additionally, Lübcke was subjected to online assaults and denunciations aside from the murder of her husband and father. "It's vital for those subjected to these sorts of assaults and threats to report them immediately. It's the duty of our constitutional government to take severe action against the culprits, to prosecute the offenses rapidly and persistently, and to penalize them accordingly."
Lübcke was brutally gunned down by far-right extremist Stephan E. in the night of June 2, 2019 on his Wolfhagen-Istha balcony in northern Hesse, with a point-blank shot to the head. His motive: antipathy for the then district president's progressive take on refugee policy. The malefactor is now serving a life sentence. The murder marked the first politically motivated killing of a German politician by a neo-Nazi in West Germany.
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Source: www.stern.de