East German Ministry for State Security

The East German Ministry for State Security, known as the Stasi, was the secret police agency of the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) from 1950 to 1990. Its main role was to monitor the population, suppress dissent, and maintain the socialist regime. The Stasi conducted extensive surveillance, gathered intelligence, and employed informants to identify and control potential opposition. Known for its oppressive tactics, it became a symbol of state-sponsored repression. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the Stasi's activities were exposed, leading to widespread public outcry and efforts to understand its impact on society.