A Ruckus in Lichtenberg: Unorthodox Protest at Ex-Stasi Compound - Against Urban Abandonment
Demonstration at the Former Stasi Headquarters - against housing vacancies - Demonstration at vacant ex-Stasi headquarters: public outcry for housing solution
Hey there! Let's talk about an unusual demonstration that took place recently in Lichtenberg, Berlin.
A gang of activists stormed an abandoned building, once a cornerstone of the infamous Stasi headquarters. After some hours, they vacated the Ruschestraße property in Lichtenberg district, some under their own steam, others escorted by the boys in blue, as per a police spokesperson. The eviction was amicable.
The spokesperson couldn't give an exact number of occupants at the peak of the siege. According to police records, around 40 to 50 protesters supporting the "Vacancy of the City" cause massed outside the imposing glass façade in Lichtenberg.
The police dispatched 190 officers to the scene. Alas, the owner of the property has lodged a complaint due to the uninvited incursion.
Now, here's where things get interesting. Despite the intrigue surrounding this protest, the former Stasi headquarters in Lichtenberg seems untouched by the recent demonstration, looking at the available info. That said, the premises have morphed into the Campus for Democracy, where the Stasi-Zentrale now stands as a hive for educational and historical events.
The Stasi Records Archive, housed here, provides a peek into the clandestine activities of the former East German secret police, with mountains of files detailing surveillance under the GDR regime.[1][2]
The site hosts various events and exhibitions revolving around Stasi history and democracy. For instance, an "After Work Spy Tour" scheduled for June 4, 2025, is slated at the Stasi-Zentrale, delving into the "Access to Secrecy" exhibition and the Stasi Records Archive.[1][2] Additionally, the District Church Day is set for June 28 and 29, 2025, on the grounds of the former Stasi compound.[3]
So, while the ex-Stasi headquarters in Lichtenberg wasn't directly affected by the recent protest against urban vacancy, this significant historical and educational venue continues to thrive. Keep an eye out for those interesting events!
The community and employment policies should consider the impact of such protests on historical sites, as the recent demonstration at the Campus for Democracy, previously an Stasi headquarters, might have implications for future events like the "After Work Spy Tour" and District Church Day. tweaking one's lifestyle to include participation in social-media campaigns could help raise awareness about urban abandonment issues and foster a sense of collective responsibility, potentially influencing future employment policies.
