Die Spuren der Diktatur – 30 Jahre Einsicht in die Stasi-Akten

What does access to the files mean for those affected? And what are the consequences of the Stasi's actions? Thirty years ago, on January 2, 1992, people had the opportunity for the first time, within the framework of the rule of law, to learn about the secret police's intrusions into friendships, families, and lives, and to read the documentation of surveillance and subversive measures themselves. This made possible the clarification, rehabilitation, and redress of injustices committed under the SED dictatorship—issues that still resonate 30 years later. A discussion about the beginnings of file access, the long shadow cast by the SED dictatorship, and the process of coming to terms with the past using the Stasi files. ... In conversation: Ulrike Poppe, later the State Commissioner for the Reappraisal of the Consequences of the Communist Dictatorship in Brandenburg, was one of the first people to access the files and uncover the far-reaching intrusions of the GDR secret police into her life. Evelyn Zupke, Federal Commissioner for the Victims of the SED Dictatorship, discusses the significance of the Stasi files for those affected, the concerns of victims, and the need for action regarding the recognition and reparations of injustices. Psychologist Dr. Stefan Trobisch-Lütge, head of the Gegenwind counseling center, provides insights into the individual and transgenerational long-term consequences of Stasi measures, drawing on his counseling experience and a scientific perspective. Video contributions on the tasks of the archive: What questions are the users of the archive asking? Dr. Volker Höffer, head of the Rostock branch, has been involved in file access at the Stasi Records Archive since its inception. Drawing on his many years of experience, he discusses the importance of the archive for users in the region. What are the archive's current responsibilities? Alexandra Titze, Vice President of the Federal Archives for the Stasi Records Archive, explains the archive's tasks, which have arisen from the legally regulated use of the records. Image Credits First applications for file access: picture alliance / ZB | Hannes Müller picture-alliance/ ZB | Ralf Hirschberger Storming of the Stasi headquarters: RHG/Rolf Walter RHG/Siegbert Schefke Chapters: 0:00 Welcome and Introduction 6:09 In conversation: Ulrike Poppe and Dagmar Hovestädt 12:02 On personal file access and telephone consultations for citizens 14:06 Dr. Volker Höffer on the first review of the files 23:08 Alexandra Titze on the development of the Stasi Records Archive 30:29 In conversation: Ulrike Poppe, Evelyn Zupke, Dr. Stefan Trobisch-Lütge and Dagmar Hovestädt