Over 17,000 people demonstrated in Hamburg against sexual violence and for more victim protection. Collien Fernandes performed despite death threats – which is what the rally is calling for.
More than 17,000 people called for more protection for victims of sexual violence at the demonstration in Hamburg on Thursday, March 26th. The posters read: “Enough is enough! Shame must change sides.”
Surprise appearance
The rally at Hamburg’s Rathausmarkt was launched by climate activist Luisa Neubauer, columnist Alexandra Zykunov and many other activists. Collien Fernandes also made a surprise appearance on stage on Thursday evening. The actress and presenter’s allegations against her ex-husband Christian Ulmen only got the debate about protection against and action against digital sexual violence rolling.
Fernandes promoted the demonstration on Instagram on Wednesday evening and called on her followers to be loud for her. She said she received death threats, which meant she was originally unable to take part in the campaign.
Now she was on stage – with a bulletproof vest, police protection and security. “Let us tear down the walls of silence together,” she shouted. A courageous step that once again shows how important the issue of sexual violence is to her – and how urgent it remains in society.
Thousands are demanding changes to the law
According to organizers, 22,000 demonstrators gathered. Police reported around 17,000 people at the demonstration to stand up for the rights of victims of digital sexual violence. The legal situation in Germany is still patchy in this area. At a demo in Hanover, Green Party politician Ricarda Lang also spoke up: “We now need a change in the law to protect all of these women.” Germany should no longer be a “perpetrators’ paradise”.
The demonstrations are calling for clear laws, especially for the digital space. Against fake profiles, deepfakes, non-consensual distribution of content, threats and digital control.
However, the foundation must first be laid for this to happen. Such as raising awareness among institutions and authorities, functioning procedures and the consistent enforcement of measures that hold perpetrators accountable.
More demonstrations
Despite the cold and hail, numerous protesters gathered in front of the Rathausmarkt with posters such as “Perpetrators’ Paradise: Germany” and “And then there are the unreported cases”. The rally in Hamburg was one of many: further demonstrations are planned nationwide, for example in Cologne on Saturday and in Frankfurt am Main on Monday.
