A HURT NATION

How long does it take until a nation gets over its past?

It was this question troubling Germany after World War Two. A whole generation, known as the movement of 1968, critically engaged with the country’s Nazi-past – something, they claimed, their parents had failed to do.

It is due to this generation that the Third Reich is probably the best-researched period in German history. However, the movement also brought one of the biggest traumas to the country, known as the Red Army Faction (RAF). During the 1970s and 80s, the terrorist organisation assassinated several business tycoons and state officials in their attempt to uncover a nation still steeped in fascism.

This week’s Time showed that German politicians still have huge difficulties in closing this matter in an objective manner.¹ The debate circles around the release of two convicted former members of the RAF, Brigitte Mohnhaupt, 57, and Christian Klar, 54. Both were sentenced to a respective 24 and 26 years in 1985 due to numerous counts of murder and attempted murder.

Now, after 22 years, Mohnhaupt became eligible for parole and will be released from prison in March 2007. Klar has appealed the German president for early release. However, there is debate among conservative politicians whether parole should be granted at all. Markus Söder, general secretary of the Christian Social Union (CSU) has uttered strong concern about the release. So, too, familiy members of the RAF-victims would like to see Kahl’s appeal rejected.

Terrorists are criminals and should be treated accordingly. But if politicians question probation, law becomes obsolete – Guantánamo Bay has shown what this means. Only when “law takes its course”, Germany will get over its past.²

¹ Purvis, Andrew. 2007. Red Ghosts. Time. February 19, p. 32-33.