New Memorial Hoheneck: Federal President Steinmeier opens the historical cell house
New Memorial Hoheneck: Federal President Steinmeier opens the historical cell house
Federal President Steinmeier opens the Hoheneck memorial
11.07.2024, 03:33 am
On Thursday, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will open the new memorial on the history of the GDR women's prison in Hoheneck in Stollberg near Chemnitz. This memorial is reminiscent of the difficult past in which politically persecuted women were detained together with serious criminals.
The Hoheneck prison was once a castle and was used as a prison from 1864. From 1950 to 1989 it was the largest women's prison in the GDR, in which a total of around 24,000 women were imprisoned, of which around 8,000 for political reasons. It had even happened that men were also imprisoned there. After reunification, the prison continued to be used as a correctional facility until 2001. Since 2019, a new exhibition and concept has been worked on for the memorial, which is now being opened.
During the ceremony, Federal President Steinmeier will visit the historic cell house and explore the new permanent exhibition together with contemporary witnesses. A speech by the Federal President will complete the solemn act.
It is of great importance to open this memorial in order to maintain awareness of the dark chapters of history. The memory of the people who have suffered in Hoheneck emphasizes the importance of respect for human rights and the preservation of democracy.- Nag