Crown Prince Couple Commemorated Benjamin Hermansen with 800 Young People
25 years after the racially motivated murder of Benjamin Hermansen, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit attended a memorial event at Oslo City Hall.
On a cold January evening in 2001, 15-year-old Benjamin Hermansen left his home in Holmlia. He was just going to return a phone cover he had borrowed from a friend. Benjamin never came home.
Shortly before midnight on 26 January 2001, he was stabbed and killed by three neo-Nazis at Åsbråten. They killed Benjamin because of the colour of his skin. Today marks 25 years since the murder that shocked the entire nation.
The Crown Prince Couple arrived at Oslo City Hall to attend the commemoration. Photo: The Royal Court
The City Hall was filled with young people gathered to remember Benjamin. Photo: Heiko Junge / NTB
The Crown Prince Couple followed the programme from the audience. Photo: Heiko Junge / NTB
The commemoration is a reminder that the fight against racism and discrimination remains important, and that Benjamin's memory lives on through the work for a more inclusive society.
The Crown Prince Couple arrived at Oslo City Hall to attend the commemoration. Photo: The Royal Court
Commemoration Against Racism
Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit today attended a commemoration against racism at Oslo City Hall, together with around 800 middle school students. The event was held to remember Benjamin and to focus on the fight against racism in our society.
The City Hall was filled with young people gathered to remember Benjamin. Photo: Heiko Junge / NTB
Young Voices in Focus
The programme put young people at the centre. From the stage, youth spoke and discussed the topic of racism and how we can combat hate in today's society. Artists Musti and Maria Mena contributed musical performances that provided a dignified setting for the event.
The Crown Prince Couple followed the programme from the audience. Photo: Heiko Junge / NTB
The commemoration is a reminder that the fight against racism and discrimination remains important, and that Benjamin's memory lives on through the work for a more inclusive society.