The Berlin Wall Region at Staaken, West Berlin a cross to Willi Block shot while escaping
At the end of Finkenkruger Weg, where it intersects with Strasse 347, are a memorial cross for Willi Block and, since 2011, an info marker that tells about his life. After escaping from the GDR twice in 1962, and returning each time, Willi Block was arrested for alleged spying and sentenced to five years in prison in 1963. After being released early, he again tried to cross the border in Staaken to the west on 7 February 1966. He was discovered on the border strip by two border guards, who ordered him to come back – but because his clothing had gotten caught in barbed wire, he was unable to obey. A commanding officer of the 34th border regiment of the National People’s Army killed him with a volley from a submachine gun. In 1997, this commanding officer was sentenced to three years in prison for second-degree manslaughter.
Size: 5025px × 3769px
Location: Finkenkruger Weg, Staaken, West Berlin, Germany
Photo credit: © 2ebill / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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