The Jewish community of Lower Saxony has accused the West German authorities of allowing wanted neo-Nazi leader Michael Kuehnen to travel freely and leave the country despite several warrants for his arrest issued by various courts.
Michael Fuerst, a Hannover lawyer who is chairman of the Jewish community, told reporters today that legal proceedings have been initiated against still unknown persons who deliberately prevented the prosecution of Kuehnen. He said the intention is to find out who is responsible for the failure to arrest him.
Kuehnen was interviewed on West German television from Paris several days ago and at a house where he is staying in a remote part of France. He said he had little difficulty leaving West Germany for Switzerland. He was held in custody for a few hours and then allowed to cross the border. According to Kuehnen, the highest authorities in Bonn were consulted by telephone while he was being detained and a decision was taken to allow him to proceed.
Asked why the German authorities were so lenient, he replied that there was “some, though limited level of understanding the need to promote national elements,” meaning, presumably, neo-Nazi elements. He admitted that his house in France was made available by an old French “comrad” who was once but is no longer an active member of the Nazi movement.
Kuehnen also admitted freely that he is engaged in a worldwide effort to raise money for his movement and bring together German “national forces.” He said that since he left Germany he has travelled extensively in Europe and intends soon to visit sympathizers in South America.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
