The memorial stone for the victims of the attack in the center of Vienna on November 2, 2020 initially gives one family no peace: that of Nedzip Verenzi, who was shot by the assassin. The 21-year-old was the first victim of the terror night. His family does not understand that the young man’s name is not on the granite.
On the day exactly two years ago, Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) and top representatives of Viennese city politics unveiled the memorial stone on Desider-Friedmann-Platz. However, it does not list the names of the victims shot on the night of the terror. Much to the dismay of the 21-year-old’s family.
“Since day one, the family wanted a memorial stone on which our son, our cousin is mentioned by name,” reveals Eugen Kaba, uncle of the 21-year-old who was killed, in an interview with APA. After all, Nedzip was not an anonymous victim.
The city of Vienna was therefore approached, emailed and called and raised the issue: “It was said that other family members were against naming. Therefore, this is not possible for data protection reasons.”
Waiting for feedback from the city
Although the television channel Puls 4 then reported on the efforts of the relatives and their legal representative Mathias Burger also intervened, there was initially no further response. After a letter that Burger addressed to Mayor Ludwig last summer, things probably started to move. “Recently we were told to be patient. We are waiting for a response from the city of Vienna,” said the uncle of the 21-year-old who died on the middle plateau of the Jerusalemstiege.
A total of five people were on the steps of Jerusalem when the assassin fired a volley in the direction of the group just before 8 p.m. on November 2, 2020. Nedzip Vrenezi was fatally hit and may have protected and saved two young people with his body, they later reported to the next of kin, according to lawyer Burger. In his letter to Ludwig, Burger admits that not every affected family might want a collective memorial stone with the names of all four victims.
For his clients, however, it is important that they have a place to go and that gives them the assurance that their son and brother will never be forgotten.
“This is advertising for the municipality of Vienna”
As the uncle of the slain 21-year-old told APA, the bereaved still gather every Sunday on the steps of Jerusalem: “We would like a memorial plaque where the family can go and lay flowers in memory of Nedzip.” Hartberger granite is unsuitable for the mourning work: “There is no trace of Nedzip there. Instead, the logo of the city of Vienna is large. This is advertising for the municipality of Vienna.”
The city of Vienna has so far not commented on the APA request. A request for comment initially went unanswered.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
