East German Secret Police

The East German Secret Police, known as the Stasi, was the main security agency of East Germany from 1950 to 1990. Its primary role was to monitor, control, and suppress dissent within the country. The Stasi collected information on citizens, infiltrated groups, and maintained a network of informants to prevent opposition to the government. While claiming to protect state stability, it often invaded privacy and curtailed personal freedoms. The agency operated under a cloak of secrecy, using surveillance, psychological pressure, and detention to maintain the East German regime. Its activities left a lasting impact on East German society and privacy.