From spring 2024, the Saxon State Commissioner will once again be offering regional citizens' consultations on the rehabilitation of SED injustice in Saxony. On-site consultations will take place in numerous Saxon towns and municipalities. Those seeking advice can find out about the possibilities of rehabilitation for SED injustice. During the counselling sessions, it is possible to enquire about the possibilities for compensation in individual cases.

Utz Rachowski and Maximilian Heidrich provide advice on behalf of the State Commissioner. They explain the rehabilitation laws, the Saxon Hardship Fund for SED victims and answer questions about the "victims' pension" – a monthly allowance for former prison victims. Together with those seeking advice, they weigh up which route to take and check whether the application requirements are met. If necessary, they help to fill out the relevant application forms. It is also possible to apply for access to Stasi files. A valid identity document is required for this. It is not necessary to make an appointment in advance. Telephone enquiries can be made during office hours using the telephone numbers given in the appointments.

The consultation hours are organised in cooperation with the regional Stasi archives and the Diakonie Westsachsen.

Background:

Thousands of people were persecuted for political reasons in the GDR and are still suffering the consequences today. For those affected, there are rehabilitation laws that open up the possibility of removing convictions that are contrary to the rule of law from the criminal record, freeing themselves from the stigma of personal discrimination and claiming social compensation benefits. Since November 2019, there are no longer any application deadlines. In addition, victims who have not yet been taken into account – such as persecuted pupils, children in institutions and victims of subjugation – can receive benefits. Independently of the regional on-site counselling, a counselling appointment can also be arranged directly with the State Commissioner for the Reappraisal of the SED Dictatorship in Dresden.

Independently of the regional on-site counselling, a counselling appointment can also be arranged directly with the State Commissioner for the Reappraisal of the SED Dictatorship in Dresden (Tel: 0351-493-3700).

Counselling appointments in Saxony:

02.04.2024  ǀ Mockrehna (mit Stasi-Unterlagenarchiv Leipzig), Gemeindeverwaltung (Unterdorf 4, 04862 Mockrehna), EG, 2. Tür links, Tel: 034244-57433 ǀ Sprechzeit 09:30 bis 16:30 Uhr (Berater: Utz Rachowski)

08.04.2024 ǀ Limbach-Oberfrohna (mit Stasi-Unterlagenarchiv Chemnitz), Rathaus (Rathausplatz 1, 09212 Limbach-Oberfrohna), Raum „Renaissance“, Tel.: 03722-78 300 ǀ Sprechzeit 09:00 bis 17:00 Uhr (Berater: Utz Rachowski)

09.04.2024 ǀ Zwickau (mit der Lebensberatungsstelle der Diakonie Westsachsen), Rathaus (Hauptmarkt 1, 08056 Zwickau), Peter-Mergenthal-Raum 1. OG, Tel.: 0375-83 1806 ǀ Sprechzeit 09:00 bis 17:00 Uhr (Berater: Utz Rachowski)

15.04.2024 ǀ Coswig (mit Stasi-Unterlagenarchiv Dresden), Stadtverwaltung Coswig (Karrasstraße 2, 01640 Coswig), Zimmer 120 im 1. OG, Tel: 03523-66-702 ǀ Sprechzeit 09:00 bis 17:00 Uhr (Berater: Utz Rachowski)

28.05.2024 ǀ Hoyerswerda, Altes Rathaus (Markt 1, 02977 Hoyerswerda), Raum 0.12 im Lichthof, Tel: 03571-457 142 ǀ Sprechzeit 09:00 bis 16:00 Uhr (Berater: Maximilian Heidrich)

04.06.2024 ǀ Glashütte (mit Stasi-Unterlagenarchiv Dresden), Artur-Fiebig-Haus (Schulstraße 4a, 01768 Glashütte), Veranstaltungsraum ǀ Sprechzeit 09:00 bis 15:00 Uhr (Berater: Maximilian Heidrich)

Further dates are being planned.

The current consultation dates can be found on the website: https://lasd.landtag.sachsen.de/de/regionale-vorort-beratungen-19530.cshtml