Siegfried Buback, German lawyer and politician, Attorney General of Germany (d. 1977)

Siegfried Buback, born on January 3, 1920, in Wilsdruff, Saxony, was a pivotal figure in the West German judiciary, serving as the Attorney General of West Germany from 1974 until his tragic assassination on April 7, 1977, in Karlsruhe.

As the Generalbundesanwalt beim Bundesgerichtshof (Federal Public Prosecutor General at the Federal Court of Justice), Buback held the highest prosecutorial office in the Federal Republic of Germany. This critical role involved overseeing investigations and prosecutions of crimes against the state, particularly those related to terrorism and espionage. His tenure coincided with a period of intense domestic strife known as the "German Autumn" of 1977, characterized by an escalation of left-wing extremist violence.

Buback's leadership placed him at the forefront of the state's efforts to combat the burgeoning threat posed by the Red Army Faction (RAF), also known as the Baader-Meinhof Gang. Under his direction, the federal prosecutor's office intensified its operations against these militant groups, leading to significant arrests and legal proceedings that challenged the very fabric of West German society.

The morning of April 7, 1977, marked a grim turning point in this struggle. While en route to work in Karlsruhe, Siegfried Buback's official Mercedes-Benz was ambushed by RAF terrorists at the intersection of Linkenheimer Landstraße and Erzbergerstraße. Riding a motorcycle, the assailants opened fire with a submachine gun, killing Buback, his driver Wolfgang Göbel, and his bodyguard Georg Wurster. This brutal act was one of the opening salvoes of the "Offensive '77" campaign orchestrated by the RAF, a series of assassinations, kidnappings, and hijackings that plunged West Germany into a profound national crisis.

The assassination of Siegfried Buback sent shockwaves across West Germany, underscoring the severe threat posed by domestic terrorism and leading to heightened security measures and a more determined state response against the RAF. His death remains a somber reminder of the sacrifices made in defending democratic institutions against extremism.

Frequently Asked Questions about Siegfried Buback

Who was Siegfried Buback?
Siegfried Buback was a prominent German jurist who served as the Attorney General of West Germany (Generalbundesanwalt) from 1974 until his assassination in 1977.
What was the role of the Attorney General in West Germany?
The Attorney General, or Generalbundesanwalt, is the head of the federal public prosecutor's office in Germany, responsible for prosecuting serious crimes against the state, including terrorism, espionage, and international crimes. During Buback's time, combating left-wing terrorism was a primary focus.
Who was responsible for Siegfried Buback's murder?
Siegfried Buback was assassinated by members of the Red Army Faction (RAF), a West German far-left terrorist organization. The attack occurred on April 7, 1977, in Karlsruhe.
What was the "German Autumn"?
The "German Autumn" refers to a period in late 1977 in West Germany marked by a series of terrorist attacks by the Red Army Faction, including the kidnapping of Hanns Martin Schleyer and the hijacking of Lufthansa Flight 181, which escalated the conflict between the state and the RAF.
What was the impact of Buback's assassination?
His murder highlighted the severe threat of terrorism in West Germany, prompted a more stringent governmental response against the RAF, and intensified public debate on security and civil liberties during the "German Autumn" crisis.