We express our resolute opposition to this barbaric act and call for the restoration of the Tomsk memorial site, which was established in accordance with the laws of the Russian Federation and with the consent of the local authorities.
We regard the destruction of the memorial site in Tomsk as a manifestation of particular hypocrisy on the part of the Russian authorities. Our peoples have suffered under two totalitarian regimes – Nazi and Soviet. Erasing the memory of the victims of Stalinist repression does not contribute to preserving the memory of the victims of National Socialism. In order to prevent the crimes of the past from being repeated, the memory of the victims of both regimes must be preserved.
In view of the significant public interest, this letter is being made public.
Memory cannot be destroyed.
