Award for civil courage goes to Fabian Klaus

Fabian Klaus has been awarded the 22nd Prize for Civil Courage at the historic town hall. As a (local) journalist, he observes demonstrations in Thuringia and increasingly exposes himself to the risk of attacks, according to the citation. Klaus repeatedly reports critically on right-wing or conspiracy ideology demonstrations from all over Thuringia. In doing so, he also takes a not inconsiderable risk himself. In recent years in particular, the pressure on local journalists has increased significantly. He and his colleagues are repeatedly the victims of hostility and violence. His commitment to reporting as critically as possible is therefore an important contribution to democracy.

Gerlinde Sommer, editor-in-chief of TLZ and a long-time companion, gave the laudatory speech. This year's prize, endowed with 1,000 euros, was donated by Volksbank eG Gera-Jena-Rudolstadt, represented on this evening by Board member Falko Gaudig.

Der Journalist Fabian Klaus hat den Preis für Zivilcourage erhalten.

© KoKont

Special prize for initiators of the "Sound of the Stumbling Stones"

Klaus Wegener, Prof. Gerhard Paulus and Till Noack, the initiators of the "Sound of the Stumbling Stones" campaign, received a special prize for their continuous and impressive commitment. "Klang der Stolpersteine" is a political-artistic campaign supported by more than 400 artists from Jena and the surrounding area and numerous helpers. The campaign has developed steadily since 2017 and is one of the most important commemorative events in Jena. On November 9, the day of the Reichspogromnacht in 1938, short concerts and small performances have been taking place at many locations in the city since 2017. At an agreed time, all artists, listeners and passers-by sing and play the same song at their respective locations throughout the city. It is "Dos Kelbl", a song from 1940 or 41 in Yiddish that deals with suffering and the longing for freedom.