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Berlin is commemorating the 1953 East German uprising more than seven decades after citizens rose up to call for democracy. Dozens died in the bloody crackdown that followed. DW has the latest.
https://p.dw.com/p/4w3Pz
More than a million people rose up against the Russian-backed communist regimeImage: AP Photo/picture allianceWhat you need to know
Germany's capital Berlin is marking the 72nd anniversary of the uprising that saw more than a million people stand up against the communist leadership to protest for democracy in 1953.
At least 55 people were killed and 15,000 arrested during a violent crackdown.
Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner has praised the "courageous women and men" who resisted the regime and warned that freedom must still be defended today.
Meanwhile, victims' commissioner Evelyn Zupke is releasing her annual report, highlighting the lasting trauma suffered by hundreds of thousands persecuted under East Germany’s dictatorship.
Here are the main developments in Germany on Tuesday, June 17. Refresh page for updates.
06/17/2025June 17, 2025
East Germany victims' commissioner publishes annual report on lasting trauma
Almost 35 years after reunification, the commissioner for victims of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany, which ruled East Germany, is set to present her annual report on victims of the regime.
Evelyn Zupke's analysis focuses on those who were politically persecuted in the country, some of whom still suffer from health problems today.
It also addresses the long-term management of the party dictatorship and its consequences.
According to previous information, Zupke estimates there was a six-figure number of victims, including 250,000 victims of imprisonment alone and up to 100,000 people who were housed in youth work camps as juveniles.
How the Berlin Wall split the city in two
https://p.dw.com/p/4w3Qf
Skip next section Berlin mayor honors victims of 1953 East German uprising06/17/2025June 17, 2025
Berlin mayor honors victims of 1953 East German uprising
Berlin is commemorating the victims of the East German uprising of June 17, 1953, on its 72nd anniversary.
More than a million people took to the streets at the time. They demanded democracy, free elections, and German unity. At least 55 people were killed and 15,000 arrested during the violent crackdown.
In a statement, the German capital's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner paid tribute to the "courageous women and men" who stood up for democracy and freedom in East Berlin and across the former communist republic.
"Democracy and freedom are not a given — they must be defended and experienced every day," Wegner said.
"Especially in these times, when our democracy is under threat from many sides, remembrance of the victims of the freedom movement is more important than ever."
Wegner is set to attend a federal memorial ceremony for victims of the crackdown against the uprising, followed by a wreath-laying at the monument marking the site of the historical event.
https://p.dw.com/p/4w3Qg
Skip next section Welcome to our coverage06/17/2025June 17, 2025
Welcome to our coverage
Guten Tag! Welcome to DW's coverage of developments in Germany on Tuesday, June 17.
The German capital is looking back on the 72nd anniversary of the 1953 East German uprising, when over a million people hit the streets demanding democracy and unity.
Berlin's governing Mayor Kai Wegner is set to attend a federal memorial ceremony for victims of the crackdown against the uprising.
At the same time, the country is taking stock of just how deeply the old East German dictatorship is still affecting the lives of victims.
Stay tuned here to keep up with the latest news from Germany.
https://p.dw.com/p/4w3QL
