20260908 Kontosperrungen sind existenzbedrohend

Economic ruin

... sanctions can do so without those affected having sufficient financial resources to defend themselves. Especially in the last 5 months, we have had to report on multiple occasions that left-wing associations and civil society organizations — as well as individuals — are losing their bank accounts or their nonprofit status. Some examples can be found in the top 10 articles on our list when searching for the keyword “sanctions.”

The article linked below from FragDenStaat.de cites further examples and attributes these events to the influence of Donald Trump. It mentions Rote Hilfe, the anti-fascist association VVN-BdA, an anarchist group from Dresden, the DKP party, and other smaller emergency aid organizations. They have frequently lost their bank accounts without explanation and without warning. This practice, which threatens their very existence, is called “debanking,” because donations no longer reach them and recurring payments, such as rent, are no longer processed.

In early 2026, Rote Hilfe successfully fought the termination of its account by Sparkasse Göttingen — at least in summary proceedings; the main hearing is still pending. The events stem, for example, from Donald Trump’s designation of “Antifa Ost” as a terrorist organization in November 2025. Of course, it is up to a bank to decide whether to close an account. But when inquiries come from BaFin or press releases about such designations are published, bankers become as skittish as the proverbial “shy deer.” The stricter anti-money laundering regulations in the EU also create additional work for banks when it comes to donations — and who wants to put in the effort for free?

Meanwhile, the “Stop Debanking” network has been founded. In an open letter to the social-ecological GLS Bank, around 10,000 people and over 400 organizations signed a petition opposing the actions taken in the cases mentioned above. Often, the only thing that helps those affected is good legal protection insurance or the counter-legal protection offered by FragDenStaat and the Society for Civil Liberties.