Germany / Armenia: Armin Theopil Wegner (1886-1978), writer, human rights activist and chief photographic documenter of the Armenian Genocide

Armin Theophil Wegner (October 16, 1886 – May 17, 1978) was a German soldier and medic in World War I, a prolific author, and a human rights activist. Stationed in the Ottoman Empire during World War I, Wegner was a witness to the Armenian Genocide and the photographs he took documenting the plight of the Armenians today comprises the core of witness images of the Genocide.

In the years following the end of World War I, Wegner also voiced his opposition, at great risk to his own life, against the anti-semitic policies of the Nazis. In 1933, he authored an impassioned plea to Adolf Hitler on behalf of the Jews of Germany. He suggested that the persecution of the Jews was not just a question of 'the fate of our Jewish brothers alone, [but also] the fate of Germany'.

He was persecuted by the Nazis and, for his efforts, is recognized by Yad Vashem as Righteous Among the Nations.

Copyright:

Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Credit:

Pictures From History

Theme:

ARMENIAN GENOCIDE