Berlin – The Inspector General of the German Army Volker Wieker has ordered a sweep of all barracks for Nazi artifacts after an officer Franco A. was caught trying to plot an attack disguised as a Syrian refugee.
Wall paintings depicting Wehrmacht (the name of the unified armed forces of Nazi Germany) soldiers and various collectibles were found in the course of an investigation of the barracks in Illkirch, where Franco was stationed.
German Minister of Defence Ursula von der Leyen made it clear that “the Wehrmacht does in no way form a tradition for the Bundeswehr (German army).”
She appealed to all members of the Bundeswehr to support the investigations, saying “this is about nothing less than the reputation of our Bundeswehr.’’
A Ministry of Defence representative confirmed the order to “investigate whether regulations concerning the handling of traditions with regard” to Nazi artifacts were met.
Bundeswehr inspectors will be present at preliminary report on Tuesday, while the investigations are scheduled to be concluded by May 16.