Part of an already existing jail, this courtyard complex was used to murder conscientious objectors, resistance fighters, alleged looters, those involved in the July 20th coup, and others. Almost 3.000 people, from 22 nations, though mostly Germans, were murdered here. During the early years those sentenced were beheaded by axe, thereafter by guillotine until it was damaged by Allied bombing in 1942. Then a steel beam was erected from which 8 hooks were employed for mass hangings. Prisoners were mocked before their deaths and piano wire was used to add cruelty. The durations of their demise was assiduously noted down to the second.
 |
| execution complex |
This is a small but important memorial close to Berlin's centre. The site is well maintained and most of the information on display is also in English. It is a poignant visit.
http://www.gedenkstaette-ploetzensee.de/index_e.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_von_Trott_zu_Solz
http://www.visitberlin.de/en/spot/ploetzensee-memorial
 |
| execution room |
No comments:
Post a Comment