A proposed exhibition in Berlin about the extreme early-Seventies terrorist group, Baader-Meinhof, which used a pledge of public money has been cancelled after drawing outraged complaints from the victims’ families.

Formed in 1968 and responsible for a notorious bombing and murder campaign, the guerilla Red Army Faction (RAF) were also known as the Baader-Meinhof group and terrorised Germany, kidnapping and killing at least 30 people during its campaign.

Led by Andreas Baader and Ulrika Meinhof, the group’s activities were predominantly financed by bank robberies while their assassination victims were picked from prominent members of West German society and included police officers and high-ranking industrialists.

Relatives of Germans murdered by the RAF believe the new exhibition could glamorise and glorify the terrorist acts perpetrated and some of the widows have written to the chancellor, Gerhard Schroder and interior minister, Otto Schilly, as a form of direct protest.

The German government has been quick to try and distance itself from the controversial exhibition plans. However, the Berlin Senate has already paid out £70,000 through cultural funding towards the exhibition.

With protesters now demanding that the £70,000 is paid back, Schroder has been forced to order a review of the use of state money to fund the exhibition.

The exhibition, which was thought to include essays, arrest warrants, paintings and photographs was due to open in November at the Berlin Exhibition House for Works of Art. It has now been delayed for at least year. Details: www.baader-meinhof.com