Ikea to Pay €6 Million for East German Forced Labor Compensation

The Swedish furniture giant acknowledges its past use of political prisoners in East Germany and sets a precedent for other Western companies.

Ikea's compensation will go to a German government fund aimed at aiding victims of the East German dictatorship.
The decision follows an independent investigation revealing Ikea's use of forced labor during the Cold War.
Pressure mounts on other companies like Siemens and Aldi to address their alleged involvement in similar practices.
Victims' accounts describe harsh working conditions and coercion in East German prisons.
The issue of forced labor remains relevant today, with ongoing concerns about supply chains in regions like Xinjiang, China.