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Mourners gather in Hesse for funeral of murdered CDU politician

Hundreds of people, including Hesse’s state premier Volker Bouffier, gathered on Thursday to pay their respects to politician Walter Lübcke who was shot dead at his home.

Mourners gather in Hesse for funeral of murdered CDU politician
The CDU's Volker Bouffier speaks at the funeral of Walter Lübcke. Photo: DPA

Mystery still surrounds the unsolved murder of the prominent local politician, who was a member of Chancellor Angela Merkel's centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party.

The 65-year-old was shot in the head at close range on the terrace of his home in Kassel, around 160 kilometres northeast of Frankfurt, just after midnight on Sunday, June 2nd.

At his funeral service held in the Martinskirche in Kassel, state government head Bouffier, also of the CDU party, said: “It is a sad, painful and almost incomprehensible occasion that brings us together.”

More than 1,300 people came together to bid farewell to Lübcke, who led the district government in Kassel, reported Spiegel.

In an emotional ceremony, Christoph Lübcke, one of the CDU politician's two sons, said: “Dear Papa, we must say goodbye to you today after your inconceivable death.”

READ ALSO: Politician in Hesse killed with shot to the head

The nation has been left shocked by the brutal murder of the politician, who was vocally pro-migrant.

Lübcke had spoken out in defence of migrants at the height of Europe's refugee crisis in 2015, drawing the fury of the far-right.

Investigators say it is still unclear why Lübcke was killed, but a possible political motive has not been ruled out, given the politician had previously received numerous death threats.

At the service Lübcke was remembered for his positive contribution to the community in Kassel.

Bouffier said: “Today, we remember Walter Lübcke first and foremost as a human being.”

Police and the Bundeswehr (German army) held an honorary guard at Lübcke's coffin.

A white rose lies on the coffin. Photo: DPA

Online hate posts

However, the circumstances of the politician's death could not be ignored.

“With the cruelty of the deed comes the uncertainty,” said Martin Hein, bishop of the Protestant Church of Kurhessen-Waldeck. “Who was it that put an end to this life in cold blood?”

Members of the German government last week slammed online hate comments cheering the unsolved murder of Lübcke.

Tributes to Lübcke and articles reporting his death sparked an avalanche of comments on social networks, many welcoming the murder – something that President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said was “repugnant”.
 
“It is simply repugnant to see how some people in the social networks are making fun of this man's death – welcoming it and applauding it,” Steinmeier said at an event in Dortmund last week.

Hein addressed the online commetns at the funeral, saying that Lübcke's dignity must be respected, including on the internet.

Flags of mourning

On Thursday government buildings across Hesse flew flags at half mast out of respect for Lübcke.

Meanwhile, inquiries are continuing into Lübcke's death.

Investigators are looking into 213 tip-offs and lines of inquiry, according to the state criminal investigation office.

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POLITICS

KEY POINTS: What to know about Germany’s partial legalisation of cannabis

Cannabis is to be partially freed for consumption in Germany starting April 1st. Why is this such a landmark legal reform, and what new rules and restrictions are in place?

KEY POINTS: What to know about Germany’s partial legalisation of cannabis

Why is this a historic moment?

The law decriminalises cannabis and legally recognises it as a non-narcotic. Germany will become the third European country, after Malta and Luxembourg, to legalise adult recreational use. And the law makes it one of the most liberal among developed economies. 

READ ALSO: Germany gives green light to partially legalise cannabis from April

Only Canada, whose law allows individuals to buy from licensed retailers and carry up to 30 grams of cannabis, is more permissive.  

The cannabis bill also lowers the barrier for doctors to prescribe medical marijuana to patients. It will now be considered a normal prescription instead of a narcotic. Previously patients needed to have a chronic illness or be seriously ill to get a prescription. 

What is the timeline for legalisation?

Beginning April 1st, adults will be allowed to carry up to 25 grams of cannabis for recreational use. They can also keep up to 50 grams of marijuana at home and grow up to three plants for personal use. Note that is three plants per person, not per household. 

On July 1st, adults can begin joining “cannabis social clubs” where they can receive monthly allotments of marijuana. And in the future, the bill lays out a plan to test out municipal five-year pilot programs for state-controlled cannabis to be sold in licensed shops. 

Can cannabis be purchased in Germany after April 1st?

There is no way to buy cannabis directly, as it won’t be available for general purchase in a store. Instead, you can grow the plant yourself or join a cannabis club this summer. The cannabis clubs can begin growing cannabis on July 1st. 

What will cannabis clubs do?

Cannabis clubs can have up to 500 members. Clubs can give members 25 grams of cannabis per day and up to 50 grams of the plant per month. For members under 22 years old, clubs can allot up to 30 grams of cannabis per month. 

For cultivation club members between 18 and 21-year-olds the level of THC -the substance in cannabis that gives you the “high” – will be limited to help minimise the impact of marijuana use on developing brains. 

Cannabis in Dresden

Martin Reuter, head of the Sanaleo shop for CBD products in Dresden’s Neustadt, holds a cannabis flower for sale in his hands. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Robert Michael

Clubs cannot sell weed to their members, but they are allowed to charge membership fees. Under the law, all excess production must be destroyed. 

Cannabis social clubs can set their own requirements for membership so long as the minimum age of membership is 18 and members can prove German residency. The law also gives states the ability to limit the number of clubs according to population density. 

Can you consume cannabis in public?

Yes, but there are some parameters. You cannot consume weed within 100 metres of schools, sports facilities or around minors. You can also only smoke cannabis in public between the hours of 8pm and 7am. 

How does the public feel about the law?

Germans remain divided on the new legislation with 47 percent in favour of the plans and 42 percent against the legalisation, according to a YouGov poll published on Friday March 22nd.

The law was also met with sharp criticism from doctors, legal professionals and representatives from some of the nation’s 16 federal states. The conservative CDU and CSU parties expressed consistent opposition to the bill on the Bundestag floor. 

READ ALSO: Why is Germany’s cannabis draft law so controversial?

What happens if you break the rules?

Minors who are caught consuming cannabis will be required to take part in prevention programmes. It is unclear what rules will apply to cannabis in road traffic, shipping and air traffic because it is still under review by expert committees.  

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