Documentation center on the NSU complex opens in Chemnitz

Pilot project for central center on NSU complex

Chemnitz and Zwickau were once retreats of the NSU. The core trio of Uwe Mundlos, Uwe Bönhardt and Beate Zschäpe lived here undisturbed for years, had numerous supporters and organized their series of murders of at least ten people - the victims were eight small business owners of Turkish origin, one of Greek origin and a policewoman. The trio is also responsible for a number of robberies and several bomb attacks.

The facility in Chemnitz is intended as a pilot project to provide impetus for the planned central documentation center on the NSU complex in Germany. Thomas Krüger, President of the Federal Agency for Civic Education, emphasized its necessity. After 25 years, he said, there is now a generation in the country that knows next to nothing about the three letters NSU. "That describes a major educational task. And in this respect, the documentation center here in Chemnitz is a first step that must be followed by others so that this topic is on the radar of the next generation nationwide and is not forgotten."

Ombudswoman for extension of victims' rights

Barbara John, Federal Government Ombudswoman for the victims and survivors of the NSU, recalled that Beate Zschäpe, the only survivor of the terror trio, can apply for early release from prison in 2026. Zschäpe, who has never apologized to the victims, has the right to do so. However, victims' rights must also be extended. If perpetrators make such an application, the victims should also be allowed to explain once again how great their suffering was and how they must continue to suffer.

The Chemnitz Documentation Center is supported by three institutions: the Chemnitz educational association ASA-FF e.V., RAA Sachsen - an association that supports people who have experienced racist violence - and the Initiative Offene Gesellschaft.

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