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Hitler's birthplace now a police station: Austria's new initiative to prevent Nazism

Hitler's birthplace now a police station: Austria's new initiative to prevent Nazism
Austria has converted the historic building, Adolf Hitler's birthplace, into a police station to prevent neo-Nazi gatherings and the spread of Nazi propaganda. Ending a long-standing debate, the government has implemented the decision to use the building for administrative purposes.

Adolf Hitler was born on April 20, 1889, in a rented house in the town of Braunau am Inn, Austria. He spent the first few weeks of his life in that house. Recently, after renovations costing nearly 20 million euros, a special police anti-drug unit office has been opened in the building.

Austrian police have stated that due to its location near the German border, the area is an important drug trafficking route. At the same time, with a police presence ensured in the building, it will be possible to stop extremist gatherings centered around Nazism.

During the renovation, debris from the building was also removed to a secret location to prevent any extremists from collecting them and using them as souvenirs.

At the inauguration ceremony, the country's Interior Minister Gerhard Karner said that the building will now be used as a symbol of democracy, the rule of law, and public safety. However, its historical significance will not be denied.

The building has long been known to locals as the 'house of evil'. Every year on Hitler's birthday, some neo-Nazi supporters engaged in activities such as placing flowers, taking photos, and giving Nazi salutes there.

Experts opposed demolishing the building, arguing that it would risk erasing an important chapter of history. On the other hand, converting it into a museum carried the risk of it becoming a pilgrimage site for neo-Nazis. Therefore, the decision to use it for administrative purposes was considered the most appropriate.

In public opinion polls, the majority of Austrians also favored using the building as a political education center or for government administrative work.

Built in the 17th century, the building was once an inn and a beer factory. Later, it was also used as a center for disabled services. After 2011, the building remained abandoned for a long time.

It is noteworthy that a former private apartment used by Hitler in Munich, Germany, has also been used as a police station for decades.

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