Jena, March 16, 2026. Around 50 people gathered last Saturday at Holzmarkt in the city center of Jena for a memorial event. The “Netzwerk gegen Feminizide Thüringen” had called for the gathering to collectively mourn a young woman killed in Zöllnitz and to take a stand against gender-based violence.
- What: Memorial rally and commemoration
- Who: Netzwerk gegen Feminizide Thüringen
- Occasion: Violent crime against a 25-year-old woman in Zöllnitz
- Location: Holzmarkt, Jena
Background of the Memorial Event
The memorial rally is based on a serious violent crime. On March 7, immediately before International Women’s Day, a 25-year-old Ukrainian citizen became the victim of a violent act in nearby Zöllnitz. A 33-year-old German man is considered the suspect. According to media reports, the case is particularly tragic as an official restraining order had already been issued against the man in advance to protect the subsequent victim.
To commemorate the deceased and draw attention to the systemic dimension of violence against women, approximately 50 participants followed the initiative’s call on Saturday and observed a minute of silence at Holzmarkt.
Background Knowledge: Femicide and Protection Against Violence
What is a femicide? The term describes the intentional killing of women or girls because of their gender. These acts often occur in the context of current or former partnerships when perpetrators assert claims of power or ownership.
The Restraining Order: A contact or proximity ban is imposed in Germany according to the Protection Against Violence Act (Gewaltschutzgesetz – GewSchG). It prohibits potential perpetrators from approaching or contacting the person at risk. Violations are punishable by law and should be reported immediately to the police (emergency number 110) by those affected. Free and anonymous support services for women in need are also provided by the nationwide Violence against women support hotline at the telephone number 116 016.
The Holzmarkt in Jena: As one of the city’s most central squares, Holzmarkt is a historically grown hub for urban life. Due to the high frequency of passers-by, it is traditionally used not only for lingering but regularly for assemblies, information stands, and vigils to reach the widest possible public.
Source:
Gedenken – Netzwerk gegen Feminizide Thüringen rief zum gemeinsamen Trauern auf
Transparency Note: This article was automatically created, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.