With the online edition “Sounds of Repression,” the Federal Archives – Stasi Records Archive is making audio recordings from espionage trials in the GDR systematically accessible for the first time.
Image gallery
Töne der Repression
The recordings provide insight into the workings of the political criminal justice system. In doing so, they document not only the content but also the language, tone, and dynamics in the courtroom. The recordings thus open up new perspectives on the staging of court trials and the work of the secret services during the Cold War.
The online audio edition is being continuously expanded. Trials from every decade of the GDR will in future make historical developments in the handling of espionage and the accused individuals audible and tangible.
An event to present and discuss the project will be held on June 17, 2026, to mark the launch of the online edition.
- Welcome by Prof. Dr. Michael Hollmann (President of the Federal Archives)
- Presentation of the online audio edition and panel discussion with Prof. Dr. Daniela Münkel, Dr. Mark Laux, and Dr. Ronald Funke (Outreach and Research, Federal Archives – Stasi Records Archive), moderated by Korbinian Frenzel (Deutschlandfunk)
- Reception to follow
The event is open to the public. Please register at: campus@bundesarchiv.de or 030 18665-6770
IN GERMAN
Dates
June 2026
| Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
12
|
13
|
14
|
15
|
16
|
17
|
18
|
19
|
20
|
21
|
22
|
23
|
24
|
25
|
26
|
27
|
28
|
29
|
30
|
