Hanns-Martin Schleyer

Who was Hanns-Martin Schleyer?

Hanns Martin Schleyer was a German business executive and employer and industry representative, who served as President of two powerful commercial organizations, Confederation of German Employers' Associations and Federation of German Industries. He was targeted as an enemy by radical elements of the German student movement due to his role in those business organisations and his past activities as an officer of the Nazi SS. He was kidnapped on September 5, 1977 by the far left terrorist organisation Red Army Faction and subsequently murdered. The abduction and murder are commonly seen as the climax of the RAF campaign in 1977, known as the German Autumn. After his death, Schleyer has been honoured in Germany; the Hanns Martin Schleyer Prize, the Hanns Martin Schleyer Foundation and the Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle are named in his honour.