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Memorial initiative for Lorenz: Lorenz-Platz” called for in Oldenburg!
The Lorenz case in Oldenburg raises questions about police violence; a memorial complex and name suggestions are under discussion.
Memorial initiative for Lorenz: Lorenz-Platz” called for in Oldenburg!
In Oldenburg, the “Justice for Lorenz” initiative is pushing for a memorial to the young man who died from police gunfire on Easter Sunday. The call to name the square on the former tax office property as “Lorenz-Platz” is attracting more and more supporters and is being widely discussed on Instagram. The city of Oldenburg is open and is planning a new natural leisure area on 5,700 square meters, which is scheduled to open on August 15th. For this purpose, citizens are asked to submit name suggestions, which are then selected by a jury and placed online for voting, as Volksstimme reports.
The tragic incident that shook the city occurred on the night of Easter Sunday when 21-year-old Lorenz A. was shot by a police officer. He was hit at least three times and later died in hospital. Investigations show the officer fired five shots, hitting Lorenz in the torso, hip and head, with a possible grazing shot in the thigh. What is particularly alarming is that the police officers asked Lorenz to stop with their weapons drawn, but no warning shot was fired to de-escalate the situation, as t-online notes.
Investigations and background
The investigation is currently running at full speed. In particular, the radio communications between the police officers before the encounter with Lorenz were evaluated, warning them that he was carrying a knife. This information adds additional complexity to a case that already raises many questions. The video and audio recordings from the pedestrian zone helped the investigators in their investigation, but a complete reconstruction of what happened remains difficult because the scenes are only vaguely visible.
Between the lines it is clear that the debate about the use of force by the police is not new in Germany. Incidents like the one in Oldenburg not only raise questions about the proportionality of police power, but also about the legal basis that regulates its application. The discussion about human rights and the protection of citizens from excessive police violence shows the complex relationship between police and society, as bpb impressively describes.
Social impacts and perspectives
The social reaction to the death of Lorenz A. is a clear reminder of how urgently a clear and transparent investigation of the case is needed. In recent years, the discussion about police attacks and their legal framework has become more explosive. Recent statistics show an increase in acts of violence against police officers, while cases of excessive police force continue to come to light. The need for reform is being called for from many quarters, both to protect citizens' rights and to increase trust in the police.
The upcoming proposals for naming the new square could not only preserve the memory of Lorenz A., but also set an example for more humanity and responsibility in police action.