IKEA Apologizes for Having Used Political Prisoners’ Labor in East Germany
The sign of an IKEA furniture store is seen in Berlin, November 16, 2012. The Swedish furniture maker presented on Friday a study produced by professional service firm Ernst and Young that investigates whether political prisoners were used under inhumane conditions in the production of of its productions on the territory of former East Germany. REUTERS/Thomas Peter (GERMANY – Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS)
After conducting an internal investigation, the Swedish furniture giant IKEA said Friday it “deeply regrets” that some of its suppliers in the 1980″²s used the labor of political prisoners in East Germany.
Apparently, this practice happened right up until the fall of the Berlin wall, in 1989.
The BBC’s Stephen Evans in Berlin said Germans have known for decades that East Germany used political prisoners for manufacturing goods.
At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.
Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!