The German civil liberties group Foundation for Renewable Freedom (FRF) wants to know if radiation—emitted by US nuclear weapons stored at Büchel Air Base—is a health threat to workers and the local population.
The Ministry of Defense refuses to publish data and documents on radiation hazards at the Büchel site. The FRF considers this irresponsible and has brought the Ministry of Defense to court demanding the release of the information to the public. “…we have filed a lawsuit and will release this information to the public through the courts,” said Martin Modlinger of the FRF Board of Directors.
“Anyone who is exposed to dangers must have a right to information about these dangers. How else does a society … debate meaningfully, and decide whether it is willing to bear these dangers?” Modlinger asked. “We cannot accept such disregard for citizens’ information rights.”
According to a news release by FRF, Germany’s Environmental Information Act allows citizens to request environmental data from authorities. Details about radiation from the air base can be demanded in order to assess the potential endangerment of residents or military personnel stationed there, FRF says.
Leave a Reply