Overview
- The XY-Preis was presented in Berlin on Monday, October 19, 2026, marking the award’s 25th presentation and recognizing three cases in which ordinary people intervened to prevent serious violence.
- In Hodenhagen a husband, wife and neighbor broke up a knife attack that left a 19-year-old critically injured and later helped rescue her from the tracks; prosecutors and a court say their actions were decisive and the attacker was ordered into a psychiatric hospital.
- In Augsburg two young helpers heard late-night cries, aided a 34-year-old victim and followed the suspect to police; the Bavarian interior ministry says the attacker was later sentenced to roughly four years and nine months in prison.
- In Trier two friends recognized the international 'Signal for Help' gesture, intervened and supplied a description that led to an arrest and to a six-month suspended sentence for sexual harassment.
- The prize, awarded since 2002 by the makers of Aktenzeichen XY... Ungelöst and decided by a twelve-member jury, carries 10,000 euros per case and aims to make civic courage visible while promoting prevention tools such as the 'Signal for Help' gesture.