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What is Gedanken The term “Gedanken” features in a lot of gathering of prisoners allowed by the inspiration. SS in which the SS guards were in attendance Litten recited the lyrics of Hans Litten was a German lawyer who “Die Gedanken Sind Frei”, a song that he represented opponents of the Nazi’s at had learned in his youth that inspired him. important political trials. In May 1931 One witness indicated that the SS men Litten summoned Hitler to a court case did not understand the significance of involving two workers stabbed by four the lyrics. Sturmabteilung (sometimes known as Storm Detachment or Brown Shirts) who This conscientious avatar of justice and functioned as the original para-military free thought was relatively unknown wing of the Nazi party in Germany. Litten until the reunification of East and West spent three hours with Hitler on the Germany where the lawyers association stand trying to counter Hitler’s insistence of Berlin adopted the name the Hans that the Nazi party acted only in legal Litten Bar Association. Bi-annually a ways. The experience had a lasting impact lawyer is given the Hans Litten prize on Hitler who ensured that in the Nazi awarded by the German and European party’s ascendancy, Litten was in turned Democratic Lawyers Association. In 2011 without trial in Spandau prison, moving Litten’s story was filmed by the BBC from concentration camp to camp entitled “The man who crossed Hitler”. thereafter, passing through Buchenwald until being finally sent to Dachau in 1937. The song Gedanken Sind Frei was On February 5th 1938 after years of written originally between 1810 interrogation and torture and a failed and 1820. The original lyricist and escape attempt Litten was found hanging composer is not known. in the lavatory of his barracks. Until this final gesture, Litten had attempted to Litten’s message is a simple one. Our stay positive and was liked and respected thoughts cannot be constrained by the by his fellow prisoners for his inner power of others. We must challenge strength, courage and intellect. At a for a free society. Gedanken Ltd, Evolve Centre, Cygnet Way, Tel: 0191 305 1122 Rainton Bridge South Business Park, Email: [email protected] Tyne and Wear DH4 5QY Visit: www.gedanken.co.uk © Gedanken Ltd 2015.

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