Mitte in Leipzig, Saxony, Germany — Central Europe
Besetzung der Leipziger Stasi-Zentrale
Orte der Friedlichen Revolution
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Occupation of the Stasi headquarters in Leipzig
Sites of the Peaceful Revolution
| — | '89 | — |
Photographed by James Hulse, March 11, 2026
1. Besetzung der Leipziger Stasi-Zentrale / Occupation of the Stasi headquarters in Leipzig Marker
4. Dezember 1989
Besetzung der Leipziger Stasi-Zentrale
Wochenlang war die „Runde Ecke“ ein wichtiger Kristallisationspunkt der Herbstdemonstrationen. Hier wurden wie an keiner anderen Stelle Zorn und die Forderung nach Auflösung der Staatssicherheit, des wichtigsten Machtinstruments der SED-Diktatur, laut. Bereits im November begannen die Stasi-Offiziere heimlich die schriftlichen Zeugnisse ihrer Arbeit zu beseitigen. Gerüchte darüber steigerten den Unmut der Demonstranten.
Um den weiteren gewaltlosen Verlauf der Proteste zu sichern, verhandelten am Nachmittag des 4. Dezember 1989 Vertreter der neuen demokratischen Gruppierungen mit leitenden Mitarbeitern der Bezirksverwaltung für Staatssicherheit Leipzig. Im Ergebnis besetzte am Abend eine Gruppe von ca. 30 Bürgern das Gebäude friedlich und beendete die Aktenvernichtung. Die Montagsdemonstranten nahmen die Nachricht über die Besetzung mit großer Freude auf.
Noch in dieser Nacht bildete sich das Bürgerkomitee. In Leipzig, wie auch in anderen Städten, begann nun die unumkehrbare Auflösung der Stasi und die Sicherung der Akten.
December 4, 1989
Occupation of the Stasi headquarters in Leipzig
For weeks, the "Runde Ecke" ("Round Corner") was an important crystallization point of the autumn demonstrations. Here like nowhere else loud anger and demand for the dissolution of the Stasi (State Security), the SED dictatorship's most important instrument of power, were heard. Already in November, the Stasi officers had begun to secretly remove written records of their work. Rumours about this increased the anger of the demonstrators.
To secure the further course of the non-violent protests, in the afternoon of December 4, 1989, representatives of the new democratic groups negotiated with senior staff of the District Administration of Leipzig State Security. As a result that evening a group of about 30 citizens peacefully occupied the building and stopped the destruction of documents. The Monday protesters received news of the occupation with great joy.
Later on the same night, the Citizens' Committee was formed. In Leipzig, as in other cities, the irreversible dissoltion of the Stasi and the securing of its files began.
Erected by City
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. A significant historical date for this entry is December 4, 1989.
Location. 51° 20.506′ N, 12° 22.185′ E. Marker is in Leipzig, Sachsen (Saxony). It is in Mitte. It is at the intersection of Dittrichring and Goerdelerring, on the right when traveling north on Dittrichring. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Dittrichring 21, Leipzig SN 04109, Germany. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, Central Europe, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire and specifically also the Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bezirksverwaltung für Staatssicherheit Leipzig / Leipzig District Administration for State Security (a few steps from this marker); Befreiung Leipzigs 1945 / Liberation of Leipzig, 1945 (within shouting distance of this marker); Die Klingertreppe / The Klinger Staircase (about
Photographed by James Hulse, March 11, 2026
2. Besetzung der Leipziger Stasi-Zentrale / Occupation of the Stasi headquarters in Leipzig Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 17, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 18, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
