Hanau massacre: Mother's fight for justice after racist attack

Hanau massacre survivor's mother demands justice one year after her son's death

Emine Gürbüz lost her eldest son, Sedat, in the racist massacre carried out by a German extremist on February 19, 2020, in Hanau, where nine people were murdered. He was only 29 years old. A year ago, the now 56-year-old delivered a powerful speech at the official memorial ceremony in Hanau.

Ms. Gürbüz, a few days ago, you posted on Instagram about your murdered son Sedat and your enduring pain. You wrote, "The cemetery has become my home."

My pain doesn't lessen—it only grows. When my niece got married two years ago, I couldn't bring myself to go to her wedding. The whole time, I would have thought about how Sedat and his girlfriend had planned to marry in 2021, how he might have had children by now. I couldn't have borne it. All of that—the most beautiful years—was stolen from him, from me. I have to go to the cemetery every day. I scold Sedat, I talk to him, I tell him everything. Even when I don't want to go, my legs carry me there.

Yet you remain active in the February 19 Initiative, founded by survivors and relatives of the victims. Where do you find the strength?

When we come together, we give each other strength because we all share the same pain—we've all lost siblings or children. Last weekend, our initiative held a memorial event with people from similar groups across Germany. That, too, gives me strength. I also have to keep going for my child.

A year ago, at the official memorial for the fifth anniversary of the racist murders in Hanau, you delivered a speech criticizing the failures of the city and German politics in combating racism and preventing racist violence. Shortly afterward, the leaders of Hanau's CDU, FDP, and SPD council factions accused you of inappropriate behavior in a public statement. What went through your mind when you heard that?

I thought it was a disgrace. They should be ashamed—treating a mother who lost her child like that. I spoke the truth: Enough is enough! After my speech, those politicians said they would only hold silent memorials in the future, with no more speeches. To me, it's clear: The city of Hanau wants to erase the memory of February 19, 2020. They want it forgotten. Yet no one has taken responsibility. But nine young people were murdered.

You attended several sessions of the Hanau investigative committee in the Hessian state parliament. What was your impression of the lawmakers' work?

Witnessing it was always painful. Survivors and relatives testified about what happened to us, but we weren't believed. We were treated with disrespect, as if our words didn't matter. And we didn't just show up—we were invited. The committee's final report deeply disappointed me because it barely named any individuals responsible.

In their public statement, the faction leaders also asked why you even wanted German citizenship if you think so poorly of Germany…

That was outrageous. It's a private matter. Why shouldn't I apply, especially now that dual citizenship is possible? Besides, my application had already been approved when I gave that speech.

222 cultural figures signed an open letter demanding that Hanau's ruling coalition apologize to you. Did you receive an apology or any offer of dialogue?

No, not at all.

The February 19 Initiative's motto is: "To remember means to change." What urgently needs to change in Hanau's and Germany's politics and society in how they treat victims of racism and racist violence?

They need to do their jobs properly. Attacks like this must never happen again. No one should lose their children or siblings to racist violence. That's what we're fighting for: justice, accountability, consequences. So no one has to live in fear of walking down the street. Racism kills. Hate kills. And nothing is being done about it. If everyone had done their job right, my child would still be alive.