Entry in the Golden Book

Prof. Irina Scherbakowa has signed the Golden Book of the City of Jena.

The Russian Germanist, cultural scientist and human rights activist has long been associated with Thuringia and Jena. She has been a visiting professor at Friedrich Schiller University several times and is still a member of the Board of Trustees of the Buchenwald Memorial.

She presented her latest book "Der Schlüssel würde noch passen" (The key would still fit) in the university's small Rosensaal on Monday, 17.11.2025. Prof. Dr. Andreas Marx, President of the University, gave a welcoming address, the Director of the Imre Kertész Kolleg, Prof. Dr. Joachim von Puttkamer, hosted the event and Lord Mayor Dr. Thomas Nitzsche accepted the award from the City of Jena.

Prof. Scherbakowa is one of the most important Russian opposition activists and co-founded the human rights organization Memorial in Moscow in 1989, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022.

With the entry in the Golden Book, the city of Jena honors her many years of commitment to democracy, historical reappraisal and her tireless efforts for human rights.