Amidst Kassel’s streets stands a somber reminder. It is the Halit Yozgat Plaque. This plaque commemorates a life tragically cut short. It marks a place of sorrow and reflection.
Halit Yozgat was born in Kassel in 1985. He was the son of Turkish migrants. In 2006, Halit became the ninth victim of the NSU. The National Socialist Underground committed these racially motivated murders. Halit was murdered in his family’s internet café. This happened on April 6th, 2006.
The Halit Yozgat Plaque serves as a stark reminder. It reminds us of the NSU’s heinous crimes. These crimes targeted immigrants across Germany. The same gun killed Halit Yozgat and others. The victims included Enver Şimşek, Abdurrahim Özüdoğru, and Süleymann Taşköprü. Habil Kılıç, Mehmet Turgut, İsmail Yaşar, Theodoros Boulgarides, and Mehmet Kubaşık were also murdered.
Initially, investigators focused on the victims’ families. They ignored the racist motives. Halit’s family joined other victims’ families. They organized demonstrations in Kassel and Dortmund. Their slogan was “No 10th Victim.” Almost 4,000 people attended.
The communities understood the murders were racially motivated. However, their protests were ignored until 2011. In 2011, the NSU’s responsibility became public. The German state and media had silenced the families for years. The term “NSU-Complex” describes this neo-Nazi terror. It includes institutional and structural racism in German society.
Adding to the horror, a Hessian secret service agent was present during Halit’s murder. Andreas Temme claimed he heard nothing. He also stated that he noticed nothing unusual. However, an investigation later proved Temme’s testimony untruthful. It was impossible for him not to have witnessed the killing.
The Halit Yozgat Plaque stands in Halitplatz. Halitplatz is named in Halit’s honor. It is a public space for remembrance. The plaque ensures Halit’s story is never forgotten. It reminds us of the importance of fighting racism and injustice.
The Society of Friends of Halit supports antiracist activism. They understand migration as an irreversible process. The Halit Yozgat Plaque symbolizes this commitment. It symbolizes the ongoing fight against neo-Nazism and discrimination.
As you stand here at the Halit Yozgat Plaque, reflect on Halit’s life. Consider the impact of the NSU’s terror. Remember the importance of justice. Let this place inspire you to stand against racism. Let it inspire you to promote a more inclusive society. Halit Yozgat’s memory lives on. It lives on in this plaque. It lives on in the hearts of those who seek justice.