German Jens Soering spent the last three decades of his life in a US prison. He had been convicted of a double murder in 1985 at the parents of his then girlfriend. To this day, he assures his innocence.
Now the diplomat's son should be released, deported from the country and be re-issued a re-entry ban. The German Embassy is in talks with the American authorities. When Söring will leave the United States, is so far open. (Read more about the case of Jens Söring here.)
Söring contacted journalists from prison, gave interviews, and made a documentary film about him. Over the years, he built a circle of supporters and friends. One of them is Petra Hermanns.
The literary agent from Frankfurt am Main worked with the detainee on several books he wrote in prison. They sent the manuscripts back and forth. Hermanns never visited Söring in the US, but made regular phone calls with him. Together with other friends she has made first preparations for his arrival in Germany. She is waiting for a call every moment.
SPIEGEL: Ms. Hermanns, you belong to the circle of supporters of Jens Söring. Since when did you suspect that a turnaround could emerge in his case?
Petra Hermanns: We heard about the hearing by the Virginia Parole Board, the relevant appeal committee, in August. Since then, we knew that a decision could be made by the end of the year. But when and how, we could only speculate about it - so the news on Monday evening was a surprise for us all.
SPIEGEL: How did you learn about Söring's release from prison?
Hermanns: For this case, I have set various Google Alerts with his name, the state of Virginia or his detention center. In fact, a supporter from our circle of friends called me. We had phoned a few minutes earlier because of Jens. Shortly after we hung up, my phone rang again. When I picked up, she said, "Now the time has come." At the same time, the first alert popped on my phone.
SPIEGEL: What did you do then?
Hermanns: I was paralyzed with joy. At some point I jumped back and forth in the room. This was a long-awaited, unforgettable moment. Jens and I had only been on the phone the day before - and suddenly it was clear that we would see each other for the first time.
SPIEGEL: What did you both talk about on your last phone call?
DPA / color film
Jens Söring has been seeking contact with journalists in recent years. In 2016, the documentary "The Promise - First Love Lifelong" was published
Hermanns: About our everyday life. I told him about my cold, he talked about how he got over the week. We last phoned once a week. Sometimes I played him music or we discussed German politics. But it was always about the developments in his case. We waited for the decision of the procedure, played through the various scenarios and annoyed about the arbitrariness of the authorities and our powerlessness.
SPIEGEL: Did you encourage him?
Hermanns: Every phone call. Perhaps in your second life you will once again become Foreign Minister, I jokingly said to him. I was convinced that Jens would make it and showed him again and again that here in Germany a future is waiting for him.
SPIEGEL: Jens Soering is a convicted double murderer.
Hermanns: I think that Jens is innocent, in my opinion he deserves a pardon.
SPIEGEL: What do you think about what his future will look like in Germany?
Hermanns: In my opinion, he is a talented writer and will continue to write books. I could also imagine that he could make a career as a speaker or coach. Who would be more suitable to teach other people, not to lose heart even in hopeless situations?
SPIEGEL: What is Soering's idea of the professional plans that you have designed for him?
Hermanns: He was happy about it and allowed the idea of freedom. He wishes to finally do what he wants.
SPIEGEL: What is he looking forward to?
Hermanns: He longs for everything that makes a life in freedom. This includes trivial things, for example in sports. He dreams of not having to walk in circles for hours. He has not seen a forest for decades. How will it be for him to be able to jog straight ahead without a limit? It's about everything that's normal for us.
Carlos Santos / AP
Jens Söring in 2003: After more than 30 years, the German is released from prison - but he is not pardoned
SPIEGEL: After more than 30 years in prison, it will certainly not be easy for him to gain a foothold in everyday life.
Hermanns: Theoretically, he knows everything about life out here. Jens is mentally strong and has been working towards this moment. Nevertheless, he will have to cope with the new freedom first. We want to support him as much as possible. There is already an apartment for him, we have bought a smartphone for him - even if he still has to learn to use it. Other friends will assist him with visits to the authorities and doctors, buy him a Bahncard and show him how to travel by train.
SPIEGEL: What did you do for him?
Hermanns: I bought him clothes because I think I have a good taste in men's fashion, even though I'm not a professional. Of course I have already sent him photos of the jackets, shirts and pants. As soon as he is free, he should choose his own clothes. My only concern was that he get out of the jail as soon as possible.
SPIEGEL: So it's also about very basic things.
Hermanns: Yes, he wishes, for example, for a long time a new pair of glasses. There was only one model in prison. I do not want to take away the pleasure of choosing a new frame. Nevertheless, I have him ever contact lens care, if he no longer wants to wear his old glasses.
SPIEGEL: Do you already know when you will see Jens Söring?
Hermanns: No. There is currently no contact with him. It may be that he is simply put on a plane without knowing the destination or informing friends in advance. In this case, he has one or two phone numbers in his head that he can call after landing. Of course it will be difficult without a cell phone, but he is a communicative type. I said, "Just ask a friendly stewardess if she'll lend you her phone for a second."
SPIEGEL: Will you pick him up then?
Hermanns: He wished that a small circle of friends at the airport receives him. As soon as it is clear on which day and at which place he lands, I leave everything and lie down and drive off.
