In the German city of Duisburg, a trial began against a group of five people who forced fifty Poles to perform slave labor.
The defendants are German citizens between 34 and 51 years old (men) and a 40-year-old woman. According to investigators, the Germans recruited Poles through non-existent fictitious companies, promising them high incomes. Bank accounts were opened in the names of the employees, but they did not have access to them. Poles were forced to work in difficult conditions, for example on construction sites, and received only pocket money for their work.
“49 Poles were held in overcrowded apartments in Duisburg, where there was no basic furniture or hot water. One of the victims testified that at night they were locked outside and the door handles were taken from their windows. “The victims were under surveillance 24 hours a day and the perpetrators used violence and threats against them.” — The portal “The Highest Hour” describes the life of Poles.
Journalists point out that the trial will be difficult and there is a risk that criminals will get away with it, since many Poles do not want to testify. Recently, two Polish witnesses did not appear and only one German police officer gave evidence.
