Indland ( https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/indland )
On Wednesday afternoon, candles were lit, flowers and flags were laid for the victims who were subjected to a terror attack at a pride event in Berlin over the weekend.
In front of the German embassy in Copenhagen, flowers were laid, candles were lit, and speeches were held to remember the victims of Saturday's terror attack during Berlin Pride. (Photo: © Thomas Traasdahl, Ritzau Scanpix)
By Sif Marquard Hansen ([email protected]) 48 minutes ago
Late Saturday evening, a man drove into a crowd during a pride event in Berlin.
One woman lost her life, while 29 people are injured.
Earlier today, a memorial ceremony for the victims was held in front of the German embassy in Copenhagen.
The square in front of the embassy was adorned with flowers, lit candles, and both rainbow and German flags from those who attended.
The suspected perpetrator of the attack was shot and killed by German police on Sunday evening. (Photo: © Thomas Traasdahl, Ritzau Scanpix)
One of those who showed up is Arne Ziebell Olsen, who is a retiree and author.
He himself has been part of the LGBT+ community since 1975, and because the community is still subjected to attacks and hatred, he thought it was important to support the event.
- I don't understand how some people have such intense hatred that they think it's okay to kill other people, no matter what kind of person. But especially LGBT people, who for nearly hundreds of years have been persecuted, tortured, and murdered. It is incomprehensible to me, he said.
The organizers of the memorial ceremony expected around 50 to 100 people to show up - and in this picture, a considerable number of attendees can also be seen. (Photo: © Thomas Traasdahl, Ritzau Scanpix)
Also Freddie Helmersen, who is a gamemaster and manager at an escape room, showed up to light a candle and lay a German flag and a bouquet of flowers.
But besides remembering the victims and supporting the relatives, it is also important to show that the community stands together.
- I think it's important to show that we cannot be silenced, and that we are still here, even though it can be frightening, said Freddie Helmersen.
Read also: LGBT+ chief: Berlin attack will affect people up to Copenhagen Pride ( https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/indland/lgbt-chef-mener-berlin-angreb-vil-paavirke-folk-op-til-copenhagen-pride )
Both Arne Ziebell Olsen and Freddie Helmersen will attend Copenhagen Pride, which is held from August 8-16.
Thoughts about the fear of attacks at home have occupied Freddie Helmersen, but the memorial ceremony still gave a sense of calm, and that they can still gather together.
- It should not be a fear for us to gather as queer people. But it is always in the back of our minds when we are together, said Freddie Helmersen.
And Arne Ziebell Olsen's hope is that Copenhagen Pride can still become a celebration:
- I could also imagine that even more people will come despite this tragedy. I hope so at least.
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