Public Hearing of the Committee on Legal Affairs on the Rehabilitation of Political Victims in the GDR
Berlin, October 30, 2024 – The Committee on Legal Affairs of the German Bundestag held a public hearing on the topic of “Rehabilitation of Political Victims in the GDR.” The hearing was attended by representatives of various organizations and initiatives that advocate for the rights of victims of political persecution in the former East Germany.
Background
Under the communist regime of the German Democratic Republic (GDR), thousands of people were subjected to political persecution. They were imprisoned, tortured, or forced to emigrate. In many cases, they were denied their civil rights and opportunities for education and employment.
After the reunification of Germany in 1990, the Federal Republic of Germany passed legislation to rehabilitate victims of political persecution in the GDR. This legislation provided for compensation for damages and the restoration of civil rights. However, many victims feel that the rehabilitation process has not gone far enough.
Demands of the Victims’ Organizations
The victims’ organizations that testified at the hearing called for a number of measures to improve the rehabilitation of political victims in the GDR. These measures include:
- Exposing and Prosecuting Perpetrators: The victims’ organizations demanded that more be done to bring to justice the perpetrators of political persecution in the GDR. They pointed out that many perpetrators have not been held accountable for their crimes.
- Compensation for Damages: The victims’ organizations argued that the current compensation scheme for victims of political persecution is inadequate. They called for increased compensation payments and the expansion of the eligibility criteria.
- Restoration of Honor: The victims’ organizations stressed the importance of restoring the honor of victims of political persecution. They called for the removal of criminal records and the recognition of their civic engagement.
- Preservation of Historical Memory: The victims’ organizations emphasized the importance of preserving the historical memory of political persecution in the GDR. They called for the creation of a national memorial site and the inclusion of the topic in school curricula.
Government Response
The government representatives who attended the hearing acknowledged the concerns of the victims’ organizations. They stated that the government is committed to improving the rehabilitation of political victims in the GDR. However, they also pointed out that there are limits to what can be done, given the passage of time and the fact that many of the perpetrators are now deceased.
Conclusion
The public hearing on the rehabilitation of political victims in the GDR provided an important opportunity for victims and their representatives to voice their concerns. The government has promised to consider the demands of the victims’ organizations and to take steps to improve the rehabilitation process. However, it remains to be seen whether the government will be willing to take the necessary measures to ensure that victims receive the justice and recognition they deserve.
Öffentliche Anhörung des Rechtsausschusses zur Rehabilitierung politisch Verfolgter in der DDR
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