Brave look back: reading on the popular uprising of June 17, 1953

Brave look back: reading on the popular uprising of June 17, 1953

The excitement around the popular uprising on June 17, 1953 in the GDR is repeatedly re -lit - not least by a book presentation in Genthin. On June 16, 2025, the moving film recordings that DEFA cameraman Albert Ammer and his colleague Jutta-Regina Lau made will be presented at the time. These historical pictures show happy and cheering people who radiate hope of change. Unfortunately, the cameraman didn't have much time to celebrate, because he was arrested on June 18 and spent three years in a GDR prison. The son of the filmmakers, Alexander K. Ammer, has now rediscovered the recordings and dedicates them to a biographical and historical novel entitled "Albert's pictures". This event takes place in the city and district library "Edlef Köppen" in Genthin. If you are interested, you can register by phone or email. The event will be made by the Jerichower Land e. V. supported.

The uprising that mobilized over a million people was not a guided action, but a spontaneous mass survey in over 700 cities of the GDR, triggered by the brutal conditions under the SED regime and repressive politics. On June 17 alone, more than 100,000 people gathered in Halle to protest the oppressive measures, while in other cities such as Bitterfeld or Jessen, unrest broke out. People quickly demanded changes: "Down with the SED", "Free Elections" and the "Freilung of the Political Prisoners" - these were just a few of the calls that were interrogating the streets. In Bitterfeld, for example, up to 50,000 people gathered and freed 50 political prisoners from the hands of the authorities.

The reaction of the regime

But the answer of the GDR leadership to these demands was brutal. The Soviet troops moved into the cities while the police were overwhelmed with the Situation. At the end of the day, the state of emergency was proclaimed, and the protests that originally started peacefully ended in bloody arguments. In Halle, for example, the demonstrators had to complain about the death of seven people. A total of 55 fatalities were documented, including minors. This not only led to a rethink within the population, but also reinforced repression by the SED regime, which later led to the creation of the Stasi

The exciting events of June 17, 1953 throw a shadow to the present day and are still an important chapter in German history. A chapter made by Alexander K. Ammer with a lot of heart and history in his book. With his film recordings and memories, he reminds us of how strong the urge for freedom can be - a message that still has weight today.

For all interested parties in this moving story, there is the opportunity to find out more about it and maybe even take a look at the book “Staying Albert's pictures”. Interested parties can register for the event in Genthin at the specified telephone number or email address.