This photograph shows a “Monday demonstration” in Leipzig on October 23, 1989. An estimated 250,000 demonstrators protested peacefully against the SED regime and for the transition to a democratic system that guarantees civil rights, civil liberties and freedom to travel. Demonstrators also protested the nomination of Egon Krenz as the new SED General Secretary five days earlier, following Erich Honecker’s resignation. After prayer services at different churches in Leipzig, demonstrators gathered around St. Nicholas Church in the city center.