Esslingen police investigate threats over bronze statue

Police in Esslingen am Neckar are investigating several cases of threats against life, insults, and property damage following a controversy over a new bronze monument. The 2.5-meter-tall statue, created by artist Tim Bengel, depicts a devil and was unveiled to commemorate the city's 1250th anniversary.

The monument has sparked significant local unrest, including an online petition signed by more than 5,600 people demanding its removal. Authorities have reported a specific call for the murder of Mayor Matthias Klopfer, alongside other threats and calls for vandalism. Despite the backlash, the city administration has decided to keep the statue in place. The investigation is being handled by the Esslingen police station and the criminal inspection unit responsible for state security crimes.