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Political Persecution in Germany – From the Witch Trials to the Present Day

Here you will find news about political violence and repression in the Berlin Republic and the EU. In our documentation you can research on political persecution across eight centuries based on the following eras: Reformation, Absolutism, German Confederation, German Empire, Weimar Republic, Nazi State, GDR, and the Bonn Republic.

News on Political Persecution and Repression in Germany

Political Prisoners

Aufruf für die Mahnwache für Johanna Findeisen
Case Study: Johanna Findeisen – Criminalizing the Search for Peace and Political Dissent
When the “Patriotische Union” (popularly labeled the Reuß Group or …
Michael Fritsch, a grey-haired man wearing glasses and a jacket, is standing before the court.
Michael Fritsch: From Police Commissioner to “Enemy of the State”
The case of former police commissioner Michael Fritsch is one …
Heinrich XIII. Prinz Reuß mit seinen beiden Anwälten dicht beieinander in einem Gerichtssaal.
Show Trial or State Enemy Number One? The Prince Reuss Case and the Instrumentalization of Terror
When one of the largest anti-terror raids in the history …
Ulm5 Gruppenfoto
Detained by the Stammheim System: Biographies of the “Ulm5” – Political Prisoners Targeted by the Party-State
Since their targeted protest against Israeli defense contractor Elbit Systems …

Restrictions on Freedom of Speech and Press in Germany

Resistance Fighters Opposing German Dictatorships

Portrait of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German theologian and member of the resistance against National Socialism, wearing round glasses against a blurred green background
Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Theory of Stupidity: Why Foolishness Is More Dangerous Than Evil
Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) remains one of the most significant theological …
Sophie Scholl with White Rose resistance leaflets, symbolizing peaceful resistance against the National Socialist dictatorship.
Sophie Scholl – Courage, Conscience, and Resistance Against National Socialism
Sophie Scholl (9 May 1921 – 22 February 1943) is …
A historical black-and-white photograph of a group of young Edelweißpiraten posing together outdoors in front of the Drachenfels in 1943, holding a guitar.
The Edelweiss Pirates: Youth Resistance Against the Nazi Regime Between Freedom and the Gallows
While the Nazi total state attempted to forcefully align the …
Briefmarke der Sowjetunion von 1957 zum 100. Geburtstag Clara Zetkins
The Persecution of Clara Zetkin: State Surveillance and Political Justice in the Weimar Republic
While official historical narratives frequently celebrate the Weimar Republic as …