In this essay, Leslie Bodi writes about the 'role of intellectuals and writers in ensuring the reinstatement of civil society and democracy in East Germany after the opening up of German border in November 1989 [...] Their participation in struggles to allow GDR citizens to view the documents gathered by the GDR Ministry of State Security (Stasi) or the Stasi files is highlighted for their efforts to support the victims of government surveillance in GDR.' (Source: Author's abstract.)