Commemoration of the victims of the popular uprising: Leipzig remembers

Commemoration of the victims of the popular uprising: Leipzig remembers

On June 17, 2025, the victims of the 1953 popular uprising will be remembered in Leipzig. The uprising, a crucial date in German democratic history, was directed against the authoritarian SED regime and its repression. On this day, more than a million people will take to the streets in over 700 cities and towns in the GDR to loudly express their demands for freedom and democracy. At that time, over 40,000 people in Leipzig alone demanded better living conditions and free elections. It is an eventful history that is still important for many people today.

The central memorial service will take place at 4 p.m. on Straße des 17. Juni in Leipzig, organized by the Citizens' Committee Leipzig e.V. and the city of Leipzig. The celebrations include a greeting from Tobias Hollitzer, head of the Memorial Museum in the “Round Corner”. In addition, the director of the Leipzig City History Museum will give a commemorative speech. A contemporary witness, Christian Dertinger, will share his personal experiences from June 17, 1953, while the Leipzig brass soloists will provide the musical accompaniment.

The historical context of the popular uprising

The popular uprising of 1953 was supposedly the largest wave of protest in the GDR against the communist dictatorship. It began with strikes and mass demonstrations that quickly resulted in bloody clashes. The intervention of the Soviet occupying forces, supported by the German People's Police, led to a bloody end to the protest movement. Nine people died in the Leipzig district and many more were injured or arrested. In total, at least 55 people were killed or sentenced to death, and over 15,000 citizens were imprisoned.

In Leipzig, tens of thousands marched through the city center and protested against the living conditions. The use of firearms by the security forces and the declared state of emergency highlighted the brutality of the SED regime's response to the call for freedom.

Remembrance and commemoration today

The commemoration on June 17, 2025 promises to be a moving tribute to the victims. The celebrations will take place in a dignified setting, with a minute's silence and a laying of flowers. The “Historical Walk” will also be part of the program to commemorate relevant event locations. Students from the Immanuel-Kant-Gymnasium will present their project “What does June 17, 1953 concern us today?” present, and contemporary witness Thomas Reininger will speak at the memorial plaque at 4:20 p.m.

A video recording of the event will be available online for the wider public from 6 p.m. in order to raise awareness of the victims among the younger generation. The popular uprising and its bloody course are not just historical events; They are part of Germany's collective memory and should remind us how important the values ​​of freedom and democracy are.

Leipziginfo reported that… Saxon Memorials Foundation provides information about the…