Friedrich Dickel

Friedrich Dickel (9 December 1913 – 23 October 1993) was a German politician, who served as the interior minister of East Germany for nearly twenty-six years.

Early life
Dickel was born on 9 December 1913 in Wuppertal-Vohwinkel.

Career
Dickel joined the Communist Party of Germany in 1931. He was a military officer with the rank of colonel general. He fought in the international brigades in the civil war of Spain together with others including future Stasi chief Erich Mielke. After the Nazi rule in Germany, he went to and settled in the Soviet Union. He returned to the East Germany in 1946. Then Dickel became a member of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED) and of its central committee. He served as a police chief in East Berlin.

He was appointed interior minister on 14 November 1963, replacing Karl Maron in the post. He also led the Volkspolizei during his tenure. Dickel's term ended on 18 November 1989 when he was dismissed as a result of the atmosphere of change and reform in the country. He was succeeded by Lothar Ahrendt as interior minister. In December 1989 Dickel retired from politics.

Death
After a long illness Dickel died in Berlin on 23 October 1993. He was 79.