Habil Kılıç, murdered by the racist terrorist organization NSU in Germany on August 29, 2001, was commemorated on the 25th anniversary of his death in front of his workplace in Munich. Messages of unity and solidarity against racism and far-right violence were delivered at the commemoration ceremony.

NSU Victim Habil Kılıç Commemorated on 25th Anniversary of Death

The commemoration ceremony organized by the Munich Turkish Council took place in front of Habil Kılıç's workplace at Bad-Schachener-Str. 14, where he lost his life 25 years ago.

The ceremony was attended by Murat Kemaloğlu, Consul of Turkey in Munich; Markus Rinderspacher, Deputy Speaker of the Bavarian State Parliament; Mahmut Türker, FDP East District Chairman; Sami Demirel, Chairman of Türkenrat München; and Gonca Onal, Türkenrat representative. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Hacısalihoğlu and Prof. Dr. Kemal Orak from the LMU Turkology Department, along with Asgar Can representing the Bavarian Integration Council, were also present at the commemoration. Representatives of civil society organizations in and around Munich, association executives, and numerous guests also participated in the ceremony to commemorate Habil Kılıç.

NSU Victim Habil Kılıç Commemorated on 25th Anniversary of Death

Sami Demirel, Chairman of Türkenrat München, reminded in his speech that Habil Kılıç was murdered at his workplace 25 years ago. Demirel stated that racist terror in Germany was not limited to the NSU murders. Recalling the attacks in Solingen, Mölln, Olympia-Einkaufszentrum in Munich, and Hanau, Demirel emphasized that racist violence leaves deep scars on society. Noting that those who lost their lives should not be forgotten, Demirel conveyed the message, "We will not forget Habil Kılıç."

Demirel called on all segments of society to unite in the fight against racism, far-right extremism, fanaticism, antisemitism, and Islamophobia. Stating that racism threatens not just a specific community but the entire society, Demirel emphasized the importance of different segments acting together. He also expressed solidarity with victims of violence, wherever they may be in the world.

Sami Demirel noted that all those responsible for and supporters of NSU and similar structures must be held accountable. Demirel called for the resolute continuation of the social, political, and legal struggle concerning the NSU complex, drawing attention to the importance of shedding light on all dimensions of racist terror.

Demirel stated that people of Turkish origin living in Germany are an inseparable part of society. Saying that peaceful coexistence must be strengthened, Demirel expressed that mutual understanding and respect for the expectations of different segments would strengthen social belonging. Emphasizing that problems should not be ignored, he conveyed the message, "Continuous and collective effort is required for successful coexistence."

At the commemoration ceremony, 10 people who lost their lives in racist murders carried out by NSU across Germany were also respectfully remembered. In addition to the victims, eight of whom were Turkish citizens, a moment of silence was observed for all individuals who lost their lives due to racism. Messages of unity, togetherness, and solidarity were prominent at the ceremony.

The Munich Turkish Council aims to keep the memory of Habil Kılıç and other victims of racist terror alive through annual commemoration programs. At the ceremony, it was emphasized that societal awareness must be increased to prevent the pains of the past from being forgotten and to avert new racist attacks. Sami Demirel extended his thanks to the individuals and organizations who supported the commemoration program. The commemoration ceremony held on the 25th anniversary of Habil Kılıç's death concluded with the messages, "we will not forget" and "we will fight together against racism."

Tevfik ŞENDÖL/MUNICH