Nazi camp memorial says nationalist lawmaker not welcome

Nazi camp memorial says nationalist lawmaker not welcome | iNFOnews.ca
FILE - In this April 10, 2015 file photo visitors stand in front of the gate of the Nazi concentration camp Buchenwald with the inscription 'Jedem das Seine' (To each his own) at the eve of the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the former Nazi concentration camp near Weimar, eastern Germany. The Buchenwald Memorial has rescinded its invitation to a prominent member of the nationalist Alternative for Germany party to participate in its Holocaust Remembrance Day services, following his comments suggesting ending the country's tradition of acknowledging and atoning for its Nazi past. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

BERLIN – A Nazi concentration camp memorial has rescinded its invitation to a prominent member of a German nationalist party to attend Holocaust Remembrance Day services.

The Buchenwald Memorial’s move came after Bjoern Hoecke, Alternative for Germany’s leader in the state of Thuringia, made comments suggesting ending the country’s tradition of acknowledging and atoning for its Nazi past.

Rikola-Gunnar Luettgenau, deputy director of the Buchenwald Memorial, told the dpa news agency Thursday that it would be “not acceptable” for Hoecke to participate in Friday’s ceremony with other Thuringia lawmakers.

Last week, Hoecke called Berlin’s Holocaust memorial a “monument of shame” and said Germany should take a “positive” attitude toward its history.

MDR news reports Hoecke still plans to attend the ceremony, telling the memorial “it is not up to you to decide.”

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles