Collien Fernandes appeared on stage “with a bulletproof vest and body armor.”
Her appearance comes as a surprise and suddenly changes the mood at the Rathausmarkt in Hamburg: Collien Fernandes is on stage on Thursday evening (March 26th) and demonstrates with those present against sexual violence on the Internet.
Shortly before, she had canceled her participation. The reason: She has received death threats and fears for her safety. Her appearance, which takes place under special conditions, seems all the more impressive, as she herself describes it unmistakably: “I’m standing here with a bulletproof vest and personal protection.”
Fernandes says she wanted to “come out and be strong,” even though that was “very difficult” in her situation. And she makes it clear what the past few days have triggered in her: “I think that what something like this does to you is often underestimated. What it means on an emotional level.”
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Collien Fernandes shows determination
The fact that Fernandes speaks so openly despite the hate she is currently receiving gives a new urgency to what she is saying. Given the death threats, it is hardly surprising that many of those affected remain silent. But the actress and presenter also asks what needs to be asked in this situation: “Why don’t the perpetrators have the balls to admit that they digitally abused their wives or hit them against a wall?”
Her speech is repeatedly addressed directly to the crowd – and especially to women who have had similar experiences: “Why do women have to stand here?” And it continues: “Have the courage, have the strength to go out and tell everyone what happened!”
Who organized the demo
SPD MP Annika Urbanski, climate activist Luisa Neubauer and author Alexandra Zykunov have called for a demonstration in Hamburg. There are thousands of women and men on the town hall market that evening, many with clear messages on signs. One of the many sentences that stands out: “It’s not a migration problem, it’s a men’s problem.”
The Hamburg police are accompanying the demonstration with emergency services. A spokesman said they were present “as usual at such gatherings” to ensure security. There is no evidence of disturbances or crimes.
