Where the genocide remains unpunished and unaccountable for the perpetrator, it becomes an incentive for the next crime: Father Tiratur

At the initiative of the Armenian Community of Baden-Württemberg, a commemorative event dedicated to the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide was held in Stuttgart, with high political, spiritual and public participation.

The day began at the main cemetery of Bad Cannstatt: a wreath was laid in front of the khachkar dedicated to the memory of the victims of the genocide, and the Order of the Holy Martyrs was performed. The event was attended by Baden-Württemberg Minister of Social Affairs and Integration Manne Lucha, deputies of the Landtag, representatives of the Stuttgart city authorities and representatives of numerous other organizations.

The spiritual shepherd of the Armenian community, Venerable Father Tiratur, Fr. Sardaryan, formulated the following idea in his speech: “Where the genocide remains unpunished and unaccountable for the perpetrator, it becomes an incentive for the next crime.”

He also highlighted three key clear demands based on today’s reality, which are: the immediate release of Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan, ensuring the right of return of more than 100,000 Armenians forcibly displaced from Artsakh in 2023, as well as clear political and legal steps against those responsible for the crimes.

The evening event continued at the Luther Church. In his speech, the newly elected State Minister of Baden-Württemberg, Cem Özdemir, noted that the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the German Bundestag in 2016 should not remain without consequences. He called for practical steps, especially in the direction of education and the development of a culture of remembrance.

Political solidarity was also reaffirmed in other speeches. On behalf of the SPD faction, MP Katrin Steinhülb-Joos, conveying the message of the faction leader Sasha Binder, emphasized that memory obliges us to fight for human rights today. CDU representative Ayla Çataltepe also reaffirmed her party’s support for the Armenian community.

During the event, Sona Talyan and Vache Bagratuni performed musical performances, presenting the works of Komitas Vardapet and Arno Babajanyan. Vic Bagratuni also read testimonies of Genocide survivors, from Mihran Dabagh and Christine Platt’s book “Loss and Legacy”, conveying the living memory of historical pain.

Dr. Hayk Martirosyan, a researcher and representative of the Lepsius House in Potsdam, presented not only the history of the Genocide, but also the role of German humanitarian missions, reminding us that humanity is possible even in the most difficult conditions.

The main message of the event was clear: “Never Again” cannot be limited to memory or mere words. It requires political will, responsibility and practical steps, today and now.