Else Beekman
For the first time, Spain has opened a formal investigation into the deportation and deaths of nearly 10,000 Spanish nationals in Nazi concentration camps. Furthermore, the investigation will focus on the possible collaboration of Franco’s dictatorship in these crimes.
Led by prosecutor Dolores Delgado from the Public Prosecutor’s Office for Human Rights and Democratic Memory, the inquiry will focus on establishing accountability for what are described as “serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law” during the Nazi era. It will also explore whether the Franco regime coordinated with Adolf Hitler’s government in the persecution, deportation, and eventual murder of thousands of Spanish citizens.
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Over 4,000 Spaniards killed
According to official figures, 4,435 Spaniards were tortured and killed. This happened mostly in the Austrian camp of Mauthausen and its subcamp Gusen. Many of the victims were Spanish Republicans who fled to France after the Civil War and were later captured under Nazi occupation. Branded as “Rotspanier”, Red Spaniards, they were sent to concentration camps between 1940 and 1945.
National day of remembrance for Spanish victims of Nazism
The move comes on 5 May, the national day of remembrance for Spanish victims of Nazism. Additionally, it coincides with the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Mauthausen and Gusen by American troops.
Dolores Delgado initiated the investigation after reviewing records from the Central Civil Registry. These include death notifications for the 4,435 victims, many of whom remain unidentified.
The probe aligns with Spain’s Democratic Memory Law. This law mandates the state to recover, recognise and honour the victims of the Franco dictatorship and historical injustices.
Sunday 11 May authorities have scheduled a commemorative event at Mauthausen, where between 90,000 and 100,000 people perished. More than 7,000 Spanish Republicans were among them. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia will possibly attend.
Sources consulted: RTVE, Infobae
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