The forbidden lovers who plotted a daring escape

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When Karl-Heinz and Hedi fell in love they faced one major obstacle: the Iron Curtain. They met as teenagers at the height of the Cold War and were separated by a border – he was in West Germany and she was forbidden from leaving the East. They hatched a secret plan to be together, but it was elaborate and at times even farcical. Their mission seemed impossible – especially when the East German secret police, the notorious Stasi, were on their tail. But maybe, just maybe, they’d get lucky. Karl-Heinz and Hedi Stützel’s story is featured in the documentary Sorry Genosse. This interview was first broadcast on 3rd August 2022. Presenter: Emily Webb Producer: Maryam Maruf Translation: Sandra Dobrozemsky and Felix Kronabetter Get in touch: [email protected] or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707 (Photo: Hedi and Karl-Heinz Stützel. Credit: NORDPOLARIS)