German pianist dedicates award to victims of far-right terror

The National Socialist Underground (NSU) was a far-right terrorist cell that murdered nine people with ethnic minority backgrounds and a policewoman between 2000 and 2007.
Germany, which has noted a spike in anti-Semitism and xenophobic sentiment in recent years, particularly since the 2015 refugee crisis, is reeling from the latest extremist attack after a gunman unsuccessfully tried to storm a mosque on Wednesday. He killed two people during his rampage.
"I dedicate this award to those who have for years fought silently or vocally against right-wing extremism, against anti-Semitism, against Islamophobia and against anti-feminism," Levit said.
The artist paid tribute to the 40-year-old woman and the 20-year-old man who were shot dead by the Halle attacker, and dedicated his award to them.
The Russian-born German musician, who has caused a stir in the classical music scene in the past for speaking out about US President Donald Trump, was awarded for his album "Life."
A few hours before the awards ceremony in Berlin, Levit attended and performed at a major demonstration in the German capital against anti-Semitism and right-wing terrorism.
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