Hanged in the cell

The last journey of Matthias Domaschk

After more than 40 years they have unpacked, the responsible officers of the GDR state security. What happened to 23-year-old Matthias Domaschk on April 12, 1981 in the Stasi detention center in Gera?

He had ideals, was involved in a peace circle in Jena and wore long hair. All hardly the characteristics of an adjusted, socialist personality. But actually no reason to be killed for it or to take your own life.

The experienced SPIEGEL journalist Peter Wensierski has done intensive research, read all the files available on the case, met various contemporary witnesses and has now published a book about it: “Jena Paradise – The Last Journey of Matthias Domaschk”.

It tells of the drama of the last hours in the life of a young man who was looking for himself and a society worth living in. Like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, surprising flashbacks into his life create a picture of a non-conformist youth in a dictatorship. A look behind the scenes of the authoritarian power apparatus reveals something frightening.
A friend of Matthias Domaschk will also be present to take us a little bit into the world and short life of Matthias Domaschk.

PRESENTATION
Peter Wensierski, Journalist
Maria Diete, contemporary witness
MODERATION
Prof. Dr. Helmut Müller-Enbergs, political scientist

Free entry

The event will be held in german.