Berlin 1966, a city divided by an impenetrable wall erected by the communist German Democratic Republic. Together with his friends, the West German student Volker G. Heinz is looking for ways to help would-be fugitives escape from East to West. Their search ends at Checkpoint Charlie, the most heavily secured border crossing of the Berlin Wall. By hiding the fugitives in the trunk of a diplomat's car, Volker G. Heinz helps more than sixty East German citizens flee to the West. But when the Stasi picks up his trail, Heinz is arrested and interrogated for months in their secret headquarters - today a much visited memorial. In a spectacular move, following secret negotiations and a show trial, Heinz is swapped for two Soviet spies. Uniquely personal, this account of bravery and sacrifice is history at its most vivid.

About the Author
Volker G. Heinz was born in 1943 in Kassel, Germany. He is a German and English lawyer. From 1965 to 1966 he helped more than 60 East German citizens cross the Berlin Wall to freedom. Arrested in September 1966, he was sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment but released early as a result of a prisoner swap. In 2001 Heinz initiated the German-British foundation Temple Gift dedicated to the reconciliation of former foes Britain and Germany. In 2012 he was awarded the Federal Order of Merit in recognition of his courage. He lives and works in Berlin.


Book Information
ISBN 9781445692333
Author Volker G. Heinz
Format Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint Amberley Publishing
Publisher Amberley Publishing
Weight(grams) 366g