Meet Jiri: From Czech Prison to Selling Newspapers in Hamburg
Meet Jiri, a 58-year-old man who sells Hinz&Kunzt newspapers outside Edeka on Gasstraße in Hamburg. Born in Teplice, Czech Republic, Jiri has faced numerous challenges in life, marked by imprisonment and homelessness.
Jiri's journey began in Teplice, where he attended school and trained as a mechanic. However, his life took a turn in his youth when he was involved in petty thefts and burglaries with acquaintances. He served his prison sentence in a Prague prison until 1989.
In 1989, the collapse of the socialist Czech and Slovak regime led to Jiri's release from prison. He was granted amnesty, marking the end of communist rule and the beginning of a democratic government led by Václav Havel. Despite this new start, Jiri's life remained difficult. He found himself homeless on Hamburg's streets, barely making ends meet by selling Hinz&Kunzt newspapers.
Today, Jiri continues to sell Hinz&Kunzt outside Edeka on Gasstraße. His life is a testament to the struggles faced by many who have experienced homelessness and the challenges of reintegrating into society. Despite these challenges, Jiri remains a familiar face on Hamburg's streets, a symbol of resilience and hope.
