Resistance to the GDR justice system: Jens' eventful story before the fall of the Wall

Resistance to the GDR justice system: Jens' eventful story before the fall of the Wall

On November 10, 2025, we will look back on an exciting episode in the history of the GDR, which reflects one of the many faces of youth culture of this time. A young man from Pasewalk, Jens Erdmann, struggled with the rigid state structures and omnipresent repression in the last few months before the fall of the Wall.

Again Uckermark courier reports, Jens visited the “Wilde Sau” in Torgelow with his friend Alex on May 31, 1989. The 19-year-old, who had just completed an apprenticeship as an electrician, was upset after an argument with his girlfriend Doreen and wanted to distract himself. He ended the evening with a few beers and schnapps. Unfortunately, the return journey turned into a nightmare: shortly before they reached home, they were stopped by a police officer at the Pasewalk-Ost railway crossing. While Alex fled, Jens was soon interrogated by the criminal police.

The pressure of the state judiciary

During the interrogation, Jens felt the enormous pressure from the GDR judiciary, which was doing everything it could to assert its authority at the time. Without clear evidence, he should be held responsible for driving under the influence, even though he could claim that Alex was the driver. After several meetings with the criminal police – and an accusation of “resistance to state measures” – Jens finally received legal advice from lawyer Hubert Hiersche. His advice to take action against the allegations turned out to be spot on.

Jens was acquitted on August 31, 1989. But that wasn't the end: the public prosecutor lodged an objection and the proceedings were reopened. On November 2, 1989, Jens was finally able to win again because this time there was no convincing evidence against him.

The spirit of resistance culture

These personal experiences are consistent with a larger context of youth in the GDR during the late 1980s. According to the Federal Agency for Civic Education The young people's urge to break out of the GDR and take new paths was more than just an individual wish. The cultural influence up to that point was profound, characterized by resistance to state norms and a longing for Western lifestyles that included the rock 'n' roll phenomenon. This style of music was perceived as a threat by the authorities and led to repressive measures.

The youth culture of the time was a constant balancing act between state control and the desire for freedom. Many young people who grew up in the GDR between 1949 and 1961 felt trapped in a system that restricted their personal development and creativity. This resulted in over 2.7 million people leaving the country, many aged 16 to 25.

A new life after the fall of communism

After the fall of the Berlin Wall, Jens made a fresh start in the West. He worked in various jobs and finally returned to Ueckermünde in 2011, where he now lives with his wife Doreen. His experiences during the dramatic days of reunification apparently influenced him so much that he plans to publish a book called “Last acquittal before the fall of the Berlin Wall” to share his story and that of the young people of his generation.

Jens Erdmann's story is not just an individual fate, but a powerful example of the challenges and courage of the GDR youth of that time. It shows how perseverance and the desire for freedom could not be suppressed, even under adverse circumstances.