Soviet Soldier Flees to West
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From Reuters
BONN — A Soviet soldier serving in East Germany has defected to West Germany, Bavarian border police said Sunday.
A spokesman said the man, who was alone, gave himself up to the police. He gave no further details.
According to the newspaper Bild, the 23-year-old defector requested political asylum and was being questioned by West German and U.S. officers.
The soldier, who was stationed near the border, jumped over a wire mesh barrier Saturday night and ran five miles to the Bavarian town of Hof, it said.
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