Olga Benario-Prestes was a prominent German-Brazilian communist militant. Benario-Prestes was born on February 12th, 1908 to prominent middle-class parents, however, by age 14 (1922) she chose to run away from home and join the communist cause.
After leaving Germany in 1929 to train with Stalin's elite, Olga was then sent by Stalin to Brazil to organize an overthrow against President Getulio Vargas. After being chosen for the Comintern (Communist International organization), in November 1936, Benario-Prestes was handed over to the Gestapo. Her arrest was consequence of a British intelligence tip-off.
Olga Benario-Prestes was then imprisoned at Ravensbrück until 1942 when she was sent with the first few groups of Ravensbrück prisoners to be gassed at Bernburg. While imprisoned at Ravensbrück, Olga was still a key player. For a time she was a Blockova (a female version of a Kapo, which was a prisoner functionary) where she aided those around her.
After leaving Germany in 1929 to train with Stalin's elite, Olga was then sent by Stalin to Brazil to organize an overthrow against President Getulio Vargas. After being chosen for the Comintern (Communist International organization), in November 1936, Benario-Prestes was handed over to the Gestapo. Her arrest was consequence of a British intelligence tip-off.
Olga Benario-Prestes was then imprisoned at Ravensbrück until 1942 when she was sent with the first few groups of Ravensbrück prisoners to be gassed at Bernburg. While imprisoned at Ravensbrück, Olga was still a key player. For a time she was a Blockova (a female version of a Kapo, which was a prisoner functionary) where she aided those around her.
I came across Olga's story while reading Ravensbrück by Sarah Helm, which I highly recommend. I have attached a link for further research. Thank you!
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