Hundreds attent memorial for Polish girl, 14, bullied into suicide
Roughly 500 people gathered in Helmond on Sunday afternoon to walk in silence in memory of Nina, a 14-year-old girl who took her own life on April 1 after reportedly being bullied at school, NOS and Omroep Brabant report.
The silent march, organized to honor Nina and raise awareness about the impact of bullying, began with a moment of silence in the city center. Attendees, many holding white balloons, walked quietly through the streets before releasing the balloons into the sky. Flowers, candles, and stuffed animals were placed along the route and at the final gathering spot: the scouting building where Nina had been a member for nearly a decade.
Despite the large turnout, the atmosphere reportedly remained subdued and respectful. A group of motorcyclists accompanied the procession to show support.
“It's really good that everyone came here to be there for her,” one of Nina’s classmates told NOS during the event. “So many people want bullying to stop! We were friends at school, and she was very sweet. I don’t understand why people did this. Why are people like this?”
The event took place without incident, but tensions surrounding the tragedy have been rising. In the days leading up to the march, personal details of students accused of bullying Nina were circulated online. Police confirmed that they have received two formal complaints of threats and have urged the public to stop sharing names, photos, and unverified rumors related to the case.
Authorities warned that continued sharing of personal data may lead to further legal action and said such behaviour hinders both investigations and healing.
Nina’s school, which has come under fire in the wake of her death, also reported receiving threatening messages by email and on social media. A spokesperson for the school’s administration said the accusations circulating online are not entirely accurate.
“People are making assumptions that aren’t true,” the spokesperson said. “It’s being claimed that we do nothing about bullying, but that’s not the case. What we knew about the bullying was addressed. The school is devastated.”
