Claus Schreer, German peace activist and friend of the Kurds, died Wednesday night in Munich, at the age of 85. Originally from Upper Silesia, Schreer played a key role in the organisation of protests against the militarisation of Germany in the 70s and 80s. He was actively involved in anti-racist initiatives and stood in solidarity with oppressed communities.
In 1956 Claus Schreer became one of the first to refuse to serve in the German army. He was put on trial for this decision and was eventually released from his military service. Over the years, Schreer organised numerous marches and protests against nuclear power, racism, rearmament and war. He consistently led annual peace initiatives and anti-armament demonstrations.
Claus Schreer, friend of the Kurds
In 2018, Schreer faced a legal case for having displayed the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) flag and the “Freedom for Öcalan” banner, which featured a photo of Kurdistan Workers’ Party leader Abdullah Öcalan, while protesting at the Munich Security Conference. The Munich administrative court fined the German activist for “PKK propaganda”.
On 21 December 2018, Schreer announced his intention to appeal the verdict. “This verdict undermines the constitutional right to freedom of expression,” he said. “The People’s Protection Units (YPG), who liberated Rojava from ISIS and saved tens of thousands of Yazidis in 2014, deserve respect and solidarity, not criminalisation. Calling for the lifting of the PKK ban and the release of Öcalan, who has been in solitary confinement for 20 years, is part of the constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of expression. In order to reach a peaceful solution to the conflict between Turkey and the Kurdish people, the release of Abdullah Öcalan is a necessity that cannot be postponed any longer.”
“Revolution at 80 is fun”
Just before his birthday, Schreer told a journalist: I am not as fit as I was ten years ago, but I am still moved by the anger at global injustice and the ignorance of politicians in power. He is also taking the initiative: “I can’t sit at home in front of the television, calmly watching the news about the world’s misery, with my fist in my pocket. Revolution at 80 is fun!”
Following Schreer’s unexpected death, his partner Monika Ziehaus, musician Konstantin Wecker and Kurdish activist Azad Bingöl issued a joint statement:
“His death is immensely sad news, especially in these terrible times of conflict. Because Claus has been fighting against all imperialist wars for almost his whole life and has always worked tirelessly for a more peaceful and just world for all people all over the world”.
