A temporary monument, opened in Graz as a sad reminder of the genocide in Srebrenica, was destroyed 48 hours after its opening.
As the Islamic Cultural Center Graz announced, the monument was supposed to be a reminder of the genocide in Srebrenica and the 8,372 killed people, and a strong sign for memory, education and a common “never again”.
“But the monument was hardly opened, it was already destroyed, 48 hours later. We didn’t even get to publish the photos before it was damaged. This act is more than vandalism: it represents a serious violation of memory – disrespecting the memory of the victims and the efforts for the process, the preservation of peace and the preservation of human rights. We condemn this act in the strongest terms. It does not only apply to contemporary life in Graz, but also to all of us who stand for a peaceful and historically aware society. Especially at a time when hatred and agitation regain visibility, every day we hear and read about wars and violations of human rights, places of remembrance are needed – even in public space,” it was announced.
The destruction of this monument must not go unnoticed and must be condemned in the strongest terms, they point out.
The Islamic Cultural Center Graz points out that 11 people made a “silent statement against vandalism” on this monument as a symbol of July 11, the day of remembrance of the genocide in Srebrenica.
We demand a full clarification of the reported incident. At the same time, we appeal to urban society and all political and civil actors to jointly send a visible signal against hatred and violence, for peace and a living culture of remembrance. Therefore, we invite you to the Peace March in Graz and to the commemoration of the genocide in Srebrenica,” it concluded.
