Mannheim mourns: a year after the murder of police officers Rouven Laur

Mannheim mourns: a year after the murder of police officers Rouven Laur

Mannheim, Deutschland - On May 31, 2024, there was a tragic incident on the Mannheim market square when Sulaiman A. stood on six men with an 18 cm long hunting knife. Among the victims was the 29-year-old police officer Rouven Laur, who succumbed to his injuries two days later. Today, exactly a year after this incident, the city of Mannheim commemorates her brave police officer. In an interreligious prayer of peace, an estimated 1,500 people gathered to honor Laur and appreciate his legacy.

Baden-Württemberg's Interior Minister Thomas Strobl and Federal Minister of the Interior Alexander Dobrindt and Mannheim's Mayor Christian Specht were present at the commemorative ceremony, in which a memory board was unveiled. In addition, a base plate was presented to commemorate Rouven Laur. Strobl particularly emphasized the importance of protection for police officers who offer security. Specht praised Laur as an exemplary and brave official. The von Laur family expressed hope that his death was not for nothing.

The process and the background

The trial against Sulaiman A. because of murder and attempted murder began on February 13, 2025 at the Stuttgart Higher Regional Court. Since then, the process has triggered a broad public debate, not only about the crime itself, but also about the deportation practice of criminals in Germany. Sulaiman A., a man who has been living in Germany since 2013, was rejected as an asylum seeker in 2014, but his deportation was inhibited by a ban. The crime occurred while participating in an event of the Islam -critical citizens' movement Pax Europa (BPE).

his lawyer, Mehmet Okur, states that Sulaiman A. could have radicalized in the months before the crime through brutal videos and IS propaganda. The motif could be rooted in a hatred of "unbelievers" and the situation in the Middle East, especially with regard to the politics of Israel. During the trial, Sulaiman A. plans to testify for the first time on March 25, 2025 and to explain his view of the crime.

consequences for society and the police

The fatal attack on Rouven Laur has initiated a discussion about the security of police officers not only with the police, but also throughout society. According to reporting on violence against police officers, an increase in violent acts against civil servants. In 2018, 38,109 acts of violence against police officers were registered. The perpetrators are often young, male and often alcoholic. These acts of violence throw a light on the relationship between the police and citizens and the need to improve the security of police forces.

The police union (GdP) calls for a lifelong prison sentence for Sulaiman A. It emphasizes the need for measures to strengthen the security of police officers. The emotional burden for police colleagues who have to act as witnesses is considerable and the GdP criticizes the lack of political support in this difficult time.

The incident and the following legal disputes illustrate the complicated social and security issues in Germany. He also raises the urgent question of the responsibility and protection of police officers who have to work in an increasingly violent environment. The commemoration for Rouven Laur has initiated an important discussion about these topics and once again illustrates how important it is to protect police officers who stand up for the security of the community.

Yesterday, many people gathered to commemorate the fallen officials and at the same time draw attention to the challenges with which all police forces are confronted in their daily work. Further information on these topics can be found in the reports of BNN , Mannheim24 and bpb