President Hainer: Strong symbol for diversity

It's 30 years to the day since 400,000 people took to the streets of Munich to take a stand against racism, antisemitism and far-right extremism. The 'chain of lights' for diversity and peaceful coexistence was the biggest post-war demonstration in Munich and reverberated around the world. It was triggered by several pogroms and racially motivated murders in Germany.

Herbert Hainer, FC Bayern president: "FC Bayern Munich would today like to remind people of the chain of light in 1992. It was a strong symbol of seeing difference as a benefit and not a threat to our society. Racism, exclusion, hate and violence against people from refugee and migrant backgrounds, as well as minorities in general, have sadly by no means disappeared into thin air 30 years later. As part of the club's 'Reds Against Racism' initiative, FC Bayern stands for diversity and against discrimination of any kind. The chain of light of 6 December 1992 must continue to illuminate society's consciousness."

Today, on the occasion of its 30th anniversary, the "Lichterkette e.V." association is launching a nationwide social awareness campaign "Mensch.Deutschland. 30 Jahre Lichterkette e.V." ("Human.Germany. 30 years of Lichterkette e.V." In numerous video clips, people who regularly experience racism and exclusion in their everyday lives have their say. From today, the first of over 100 interviews are available at www.lichterkette.de/menschdeutschland/. The message of this digital chain of light is: No to discrimination, yes to diversity!

Further information on FC Bayern's 'Reds Against Racism' initiative can be found here: