arch/ive/ief (2000 - 2005)

Conflict concert in Mannheim (Germany)cancelled

The Conflict (English band) concert that was announced for the celebration of JUZ-Mannheim’s 30th birthday, on the 10th of May 2003, has been cancelled.

The background is the rape of a woman in 1991, in the “Steffi” (Squat in Karlsruhe) by the current band member of Conflict, Marshall. Unfortunately, we heard about this incident too late.

Marshall was in the band “Back to the Planet” at the time of the incident in Karlsruhe. In 1993, the band “Experiment” had scheduled a German tour with Marshall. Most of the gigs were cancelled due to the rape. “Conflict” has known about this issue for years and taken no action.

We see ourselves as a part of the Left and as those who fought for the right of definition. Nobody but the afflicted person has the right to judge the violence experienced. For this reason, we decided to cancel the concert and inform the band not only of our decision, but of the reasoning behind it. The discussion about this subject should and will be continued.

What’s frustrating is the fact that a number of people in the region were aware of this incident without notifying us.

When sexual violence has been made public, it shouldn’t be forgotten or kept silent. Otherwise, to act in solidarity would be impossible.

The general assembly of JUZ-Mannheim