Documentation center on the NSU complex opens in Chemnitz

"No end" to the murderous acts of the so-called National Socialist Underground (NSU) - that was the motto for the opening of the new documentation center. From now on, it will commemorate the victims of right-wing terror, the background and the failures of the security authorities in Chemnitz. At the same time, it is dedicated to the tasks that arise for a defensive democracy. At the inauguration at midday, the names of all ten victims of the NSU were read out loud.

Affected people also spoke at the opening. Gamze Kubaşık, whose father Mehmet was murdered by the NSU terrorists in Dortmund on April 4, 2006, called the establishment of the center long overdue and also considered the choice of location to be right. "Because Chemnitz is not just any place." The NSU had been operating here for years. "The perpetrators found protection here. They were covered up here. They were able to hide here undisturbed for years. That is part of the history of this city."

Abdulla Özkan, a victim of the nail bomb attack in Cologne on June 9, 2004, said: "This act not only changed my life, but that of many people in our community forever." We must not forget that the responsibility for such acts also lies with politicians. It is not enough just to document. "We must not forget what was and is also part of our reality: Why were the perpetrators of the NSU not investigated earlier? Why did people look away for years, cover up and fail?"

At the end, relatives and victims took to the stage and made several demands, including full access to files, adequate compensation, sustainable help for victims of just acts of violence and training for government employees to reduce discrimination and prejudice. "We hope that this documentation center will become a place of learning, healing and justice," said Özkan.

Weimer: Right-wing extremism remains a serious threat to democracy

"The NSU's years-long series of murders was one of the most horrific right-wing extremist crimes in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany. We owe it to those affected and to society as a whole in Germany to remember these racially motivated acts, to commemorate the victims and to draw the necessary consequences from this series of crimes," Minister of State for Culture Wolfram Weimer was quoted as saying. Right-wing extremism remains a serious threat to democracy, which must be resolutely opposed.

Saxony's deputy head of government Petra Köpping (SPD) sees the Free State in a pioneering role in the social debate on the NSU complex. The center tells the stories of the victims and at the same time sheds light on the social structures that made the crimes possible. It will be a place of encounter, learning and social debate. Saxony and the federal government are funding the center.

Pilot project for a central center on the NSU complex

Chemnitz and Zwickau were once retreats for 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, reminded the public 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.