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Hanno Benz: "A performance at the theater in the Pädagog is unacceptable"
Darmstadt. Mayor and Head of Cultural Affairs Hanno Benz sent a written request on Thursday (August 14) to the operator of the Theater im Pädagog to cancel the screening of the film "To Kill a War Machine" .
The film follows the British group "Palestine Action," which, according to Benz, aims to destroy the British arms industry in order to weaken Israel militarily. The group was recently designated a terrorist organization by the British House of Commons. Any form of solidarity with the group is now punishable by severe penalties in Britain.
Concerns about glorification of terrorism
According to the mayor, the documentary glorifies violence and incites imitation without incorporating critical voices or self-reflection. Furthermore, the fact that the screening was promoted by the group "Darmstadt for Palestine" suggests that no critical engagement with the content is planned.
Benz warned of an "acute danger of glorifying terrorism" and questioned whether "Darmstadt for Palestine" sympathized with terrorist organizations. He recalled that the group had sold keychains bearing a red triangle, used by Hamas as a target marker, at the "Anti-Colonial Peace Christmas Market" in the Protestant St. Michael's parish. According to Benz, this incident is currently under criminal investigation.
A deadline has been set for cancellation
“As the owner of the premises, you bear the responsibility for what is shown on your property,” Benz emphasized. He urged the operator to exercise their right to control access to their property and to cease the screening. The city expects the event to be canceled by Friday, August 15, at 11 a.m.
(Darmstadt - Red/PSD/HO)
