Over 60 years after the end of the Second World War, Germany's parliament has pardoned all the people who were convicted of treason during the period. German MPs decided in 2002 to pardon WWII deserters, but now the pardon has been extended to all soldiers and civilians branded traitors by the Nazi regime.

German Justice Minister Brigitte Zypries says the move has restored the good name and honour of a long forgotten group of victims of the Nazis. She said it was an important gesture for the victims' families.

Many people who were convicted of treason suffered from the consequences after the war. Their criminal record made it difficult for them to find work and they sometimes suffered abuse and threats.

photo: Brigitte Zypries (Flickr/SPD in Niedersachsen)