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The protest continues in Hamburg: On Thursday evening, thousands of people gathered on the town hall market to demonstrate against sexual violence – according to the police, around 7,500 participants were registered. According to the organizers, the rally should last until 7 p.m.
It is not the first of its kind: last Sunday, thousands took to the streets in Berlin. The police counted 6,700 people there. The current demonstration was organized by Hamburg SPD MP Annika Urbanski, supported by climate activist Luisa Neubauer and columnist Alexandra Zykunov, among others. Their demands are clear: there needs to be more protection for those affected, harsher consequences for perpetrators and a rethinking of society.
The starting point is the case of actress and presenter Collien Fernandes, who made serious allegations against her ex-partner Christian Ulmen. His lawyer announced legal action against the reporting. Ulmen himself has not yet commented publicly. The presumption of innocence applies.
Collien Fernandes: “I can’t do it anymore”
Fernandes initially didn’t want to speak at the town hall market himself. The reason is massive security concerns because there have been death threats against her in the past few days. Shortly before the end of the demo there was a surprising appearance.
In a statement on Instagram she also criticized the media:
“I curse the press for receiving 30-page questionnaires every five minutes, which I ask them to answer as quickly as possible. I can’t keep up anymore. I can’t do it anymore. I also have other things to do. And if I can’t do all of that, a conspiracy theory will be made out of every unanswered question.”
Her post continues: “Ask the perpetrator questions. Two very simple ones: Have you been violent towards your wife? Have you created fake profiles in your wife’s name and sent pornographic material under her name? Yes? No? And what has been the problem so far? Why is the reporting so ‘one-sided’? The perpetrator doesn’t want to testify under oath. Nothing at all. I do. Just think about why.”
Police: “No evidence of disturbances”
After Fernandes’ cancellation on Wednesday, the police also commented on the security situation. A spokesman said that “as is usual for such meetings, emergency services will be present on site to ensure that the meeting can be held safely.” At the same time it was said: “There are no indications of disturbances or crimes in this context.”
Former HSV goalkeeper René Adler expressed himself clearly on Instagram in advance: “I am speechless, disillusioned and disillusioned by what a sick world my daughter was born into. […] It is enough!” Hamburg musician Johannes Oerding also said in a statement: “Silence just feels wrong at this moment.” The current developments would make him “angry, sad and thoughtful at the same time”. “I feel ashamed in moments like this […] to be a man.” Nevertheless, he clearly calls for action: “We have to look, listen, take responsibility and clearly disagree – in small and large ways.”
