Statue of African drug dealer erected in Berlin park
October 30, 2019
An artist erected a statue of a drug dealer in Berlin's notorious Görlitzer Park as part of a solidarity event with those plying their trade.
French-American artist Scott Holmquist erected the 3-meter tall (10 feet) statue dubbed "Last Hero" as part of a 24-hour sit-in demonstration from Sunday to Monday morning. It was later removed by organizers.
Read more: Berlin exhibition on 'brave' African drug dealers courts controversy
Holmquist organized the event under the motto: "Solidarity and human rights — also for drug dealers."
The statue of a black bagman holding a cell phone drew criticism from police who are constantly battling crime in what is known across the country as an open drug market.
A spokesperson from the police union, Benjamin Jendro, expressed disgust at the drug dealer statue.
"Erecting a statue for drug dealers sends the wrong message," the Berliner Morgenpost quoted him as saying. It is not only a "slap in the face to our colleagues, but also residents, who feel uncomfortable and insecure due to the presence of criminals," he said.
The event came in response to a demonstration organized by the far-right Pegida movement at Görlitzer Park three weeks ago. Protected by 140 police, Pegida followers criticized the absence of rule of law in the park.
Read more: Berlin: 'Cocaine taxis' are a growing problem
Holmquist previously stirred controversy when he organized an exhibition about 13 African drug dealers and their often difficult journey to reach Germany.