For almost 30 years, the inner German border culturally, politically and forcefully divided a formerly united country. Exit visas were only granted to a lucky few and border guards had licence to kill, meaning most East Germans had no choice but to keep their label as such.
Much to the East’s chagrin though, some slid through the cracks in search of freedom. Here’s how they made and adapted to their new lives…
“Alive in a grave” – Peter Keup
Peter Keup’s story is one of torture, betrayal and liberation. Born in East Germany three years before the wall divided his family, in 1981, he made the notoriously perilous decision to escape.
Listen to Peter here:
“We flew to freedom” – Günter Wetzel
Günter Wetzel, born in East Germany, had a childhood untarnished by war. But, gradually becoming aware of the restrictions in the East, Gunter and his family famously attempted a daring defection…
Listen to Günter here:
By HARPER PESTINGER and BELLA IRELAND