Source: Stern.de
To mark the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, Berlin’s Freedom Week is bringing together dissidents and opposition figures from many countries, with a special focus on women standing up against oppression.
For the second time, Berlin is hosting a Freedom Week (Woche der Freiheit) for the anniversary of the fall of the Wall on November 9. Around 170 events are planned through next Saturday. These include a major conference, lectures, discussions, readings, guided tours, and films. Numerous dissidents and opposition figures from various countries are taking part. A central focus is dedicated to women standing up against oppression and dictatorships. The highlight of the week is the Berlin Freedom Conference on Tuesday at the Filmtheater Colosseum in Prenzlauer Berg. Experts are discussing freedom, democracy, and the guiding theme “Change is possible.” Among them is the opponent of Putin and former world chess champion Garry Kasparov.
Focus: Women’s Rights
Before that, on Monday, the Bundestag will focus on women’s rights and democratic culture. Bundestag President Julia Klöckner (CDU) is also participating in the Freedom and Security Women Summit. Opposition politicians and human rights activists from countries such as Belarus, Iran, Afghanistan, and Cuba are also expected. On Monday morning, a memorial event for the 37th anniversary of the fall of the Wall is planned at the Berlin Wall Memorial on Bernauer Straße, attended by, among others, Berlin’s Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU). In the evening, the organizers are hosting a Freedom Dinner with numerous guests in the Grand Ballroom of the Red Town Hall (Rotes Rathaus), where Wegner will deliver one of the speeches.
Stasi Headquarters and Escape Tunnels
Throughout the weekend and the entire week, Berliners and city visitors are invited to numerous public events. Stories are being shared about the history of underground escape tunnels leading from East Berlin to the free West. At the Stasi Headquarters, a guided tour focuses on “women in the service of the State Security.” Berlin Stasi prisons are also being presented. At the Spy Museum, a panel discussion is scheduled regarding the German foreign intelligence service (BND) and its new powers.
“Stories of Freedom” at the Cinema
On Wednesday, documentary films about courage and resistance in dictatorships will be screened all day at the Colosseum under the motto “Stories of Freedom.” Markthalle Neun in Kreuzberg is hosting a “Taiwanese Night Market” on Thursday, emphasizing Taiwan’s role as a modern democracy under pressure from China. On Friday, there will be a Taiwanese club night in Friedrichshain.
Patron Wegner emphasized: “Berlin can be the city that gives hope.” Freedom, he said, is the basis for a self-determined life. Recalling the day and evening of the fall of the Wall in 1989, Wegner said: “I stood on the Wall. It was the best day of my life.” People should know that miracles can happen and that freedom ultimately wins out. He expressed strong hope that this conference will be continued in the coming years.
