Berthe Zimmermann
Berthe Zimmermann | |
---|---|
Born |
September 27, 1902 Zurich, Switzerland |
Died | Moscow |
Cause of death | execution |
Nationality | Swiss |
Other names | Berta Zimmermann, Bertha Zimmermann |
Occupation | Communist activist; spy (courier) |
Years active | 1923-1927 |
Organization | Communist Party of the Soviet Union |
Known for | head of courier section of Comintern's OMS (International Liaison Department) |
Spouse(s) | Fritz Platten |
Berthe Zimmermann (27 September 1902 – 2 December 1937) (also spelled "Berta Zimmermann" and "Bertha Zimmermann"), Swiss communist and wife of Fritz Platten, headed the courier section of the Comintern's OMS (International Liaison Department) in Moscow in 1935 and was purged in 1937.[1]
Background
Zimmerimann was born in Zurich, Switzerland, on September 27, 1902.[1]
Career
In 1923, Zimmermann emigrated from Switzerland to the Soviet Union, where she worked for the Comintern. First, she worked for the Information section (1923-1930). Then (1930-1931), she worked for the Organization section. Finally (1931 to 1937), she worked for the OMS under Jacob Mirov-Abramov.
After 1935, Zimmermann became head of the OMS's Courier section of OMS. She went on OMS missions to Paris and Prague.[1]
Personal
Zimmermann was married to Fritz Platten, a fellow communist also of Switzerland.[1][2]
Death
Zimmermann was executed 2 December 1937 in Moscow.[1][2]
Platten was arrested in 1938, moved to a prison camp near Nyandoma in 1939, and shot on 22 April 1942.[3]
References
External links
- Publications by and about Berthe Zimmermann in the catalogue Helveticat of the Swiss National Library
- Studer, Brigitte (2015). The Transnational World of the Cominternians. London: Palgrave Macmillan.
- Huber, Peter (1994). Stalins Schatten in der Schweiz. Schweizer Kommunisten in Moskau: Verteidiger und Gefangene der Komintern. Zürich: Chronos. ISBN 3-905311-29-1.