Ministry for State Security (MfS)

The Ministry for State Security (MfS), commonly known as the Stasi, was East Germany’s secret police from 1950 to 1990. Its primary role was to monitor, control, and suppress dissent within the country, employing extensive surveillance, informants, and psychological tactics. The MfS aimed to maintain the Communist regime’s stability by identifying and eliminating opposition. It operated with a high degree of secrecy and was notorious for its invasive methods, which created a climate of fear and mistrust among citizens. After the fall of East Germany, the MfS was dissolved, and its records were opened for public review.