Stammheim: Insight into the dark RAF past in the docudrama!

Stammheim: Insight into the dark RAF past in the docudrama!

On June 1, 2025, the docudrama “Stammheim – Time of Terror” will shed light on the dramatic period between April 1974 and the so-called “Night of Death in Stammheim” in October 1977. This highly complex project reconstructs the Stammheim Trial, which began on May 21, 1975 and became an identity-forming place for the Red Army Faction (RAF). The trial is considered one of the most complex in the Federal Republic of Germany and draws attention to the paths and actions of the first generation of the RAF - especially figures such as Ulrike Meinhof and Gudrun Ensslin, who were admitted to the Stammheim prison during this time. ARD Mediathek reports that the docudrama also integrates original recordings of the trial and the later investigative committee.

The focus is on Horst Bubeck, a prison officer who was in close contact with the prisoners and played a central role in the investigative committee after their deaths in October 1977. Actor Moritz Führmann embodies Bubeck and offers the audience intimate insights into the terrorists' lives on the seventh floor of the prison. According to Schwäbische, the docudrama provides fascinating insights into the prisoners' everyday lives and processes documents, audio recordings and secret messages exchanged during imprisonment.

The context of the RAF

The RAF emerged against the background of an active student movement that has gained importance in Germany since 1967. Figures like Andreas Baader and Gudrun Ensslin began to advocate violence as a means of fighting the state. As early as April 1968, Baader and his accomplices lit fires in Frankfurt and were arrested after a short time. This marked the beginning of a chain of violent actions that would shape the group in the years to come. Planet Wissen shows that the RAF clearly defined its strategy in 1971 by presenting itself in Ulrike Meinhof's documents as an organization with the aim of armed struggle.

In May 1972, a decisive attack on the Axel Springer House took place in Hamburg, which led to the largest manhunt in the history of the Federal Republic. Finally, the leading figures of the first RAF generation were arrested in 1972 and taken to the Stammheim high-security facility. The hunger strikes staged there and the demand for common prison conditions gave insight into the desperation and determination of the group members.

The “Night of Death in Stammheim”

The climax of this dark story occurred on the “Night of Death in Stammheim,” when three of four imprisoned terrorists took their own lives on October 18, 1977. This event represents a turning point in the history of the RAF and is covered in detail in the docudrama. There is both documentary footage and re-enactments, which adds to the authenticity of the film. Director Niki Stein and screenwriter Stefan Aust capture the tragedy and horror of this time, and the actors' performances underline the emotional depth of these events.

After the broadcast of the docudrama, a documentary entitled “In the Shadow of the Murderers – The Unknown Victims of the RAF” will follow, which will focus on the civilians affected and their stories. This supplement addresses the far-reaching consequences of RAF terror on society.