Egon Krenz, who succeeded Erich Honecker as the de facto leader of East Germany, was convicted for his involvement in a military policy that allowed border guards to use lethal force against individuals attempting to flee to West Germany. Following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the subsequent reunification of Germany, various leaders and officials from the former East German government faced increasing scrutiny for their roles in the oppressive regime. Krenz's trial revealed the brutal tactics employed by the state to maintain control, including the infamous shoot-to-kill orders that resulted in numerous deaths at the wall, as border security was instructed to prevent any unauthorized crossings by any means necessary.

During the trial, Krenz defended his actions, claiming he was acting under orders and described the circumstances as complex. Nonetheless, his conviction marked a significant moment in Germany’s ongoing reconciliation with its divided past, highlighting the need for accountability for human rights violations. This legal juncture was part of a larger context of truth-finding mechanisms across post-communist countries, seeking to address the injustices of totalitarian regimes and establish a transparent narrative of national history. Krenz was ultimately sentenced to a prison term for his role in these policies.