Victims' Advocate Promotes Assistance for GDR Doping Victims

Evelyn Zupke, the SED Victims’ Commissioner, is advocating for regular financial assistance for victims of forced doping in the GDR. Many of the former athletes are dependent on long-term support, according to Zupke’s annual report.

“The GDR sports system didn’t just produce medals and world champions,” Zupke emphasized. “State-sanctioned forced doping is responsible for thousands of people who continue to suffer from physical and psychological consequences to this day.”

With “State Plan 14.25,” the SED regime introduced a state-organized, nationwide doping program in 1974 to “demonstrate the supposed superiority of socialism,” writes the Commissioner for Victims. By 1989, between 10,000 and 15,000 young people had been regularly doped—primarily with anabolic steroids—without their knowledge or consent—a “flagrant political abuse,” says Zupke.

In her view, a law is needed that grants those affected access to what is known as social compensation law. This would give them a chance at monthly payments that could amount to several hundred euros, depending on the extent of the harm. 

New Aid Measures Take Effect

Zupke gave a positive assessment of the legal improvements for other victims of the SED dictatorship, which were adopted in early 2025. “A central component of the legislative package is the nationwide hardship fund, which began operations on November 9, 2025,” she explained. The fund provides former victims of political persecution with individualized assistance—ranging from travel subsidies to the purchase of an e-bike or the age-appropriate renovation of a bathroom. To date, 300 people have benefited from these benefits.

“Our reunified country is on the right track to support and honor the victims of the SED dictatorship in the best possible way,” said Zupke. “But the shadow of the dictatorship is long: Many victims still suffer from the health consequences to this day. That is why we must not let up. Our democracy will not leave the victims of the SED dictatorship to fend for themselves.”