Following the confiscation of audio material related to the Block trial, journalist Anne Kunze of the “Zeit” has strongly criticized the state’s procedures while simultaneously defending her decision to feature two of entrepreneur Christina Block’s children in her podcast, “House of Block.” These children include Clara, who is now 15, and her brother Theo, who was kidnapped in December 2023.
Kunze told “Der Spiegel” that Clara insisted on being part of the podcast. When Kunze initially expressed uncertainty about this, Clara countered that she wanted to participate. The journalist noted that Clara discussed this with her psychological support and her father. Kunze further explained that she had shown Clara the initial recordings she had made. Clara will turn 16 in a few days, an age at which, according to Kunze, one can vote, join parties, determine one’s religious affiliation, and freely express their opinion. Clara reportedly told Kunze that she was tired of adults dictating what was best for her. The journalist clarified that her younger brother, Theo, does not appear in the podcast at all.
According to the newspaper, Kunze was visited by two officers from the LKA Hamburg on Monday. These officials reportedly demanded the audio recordings from Kunze’s research into the Block case. The Regional Court in Hamburg, which issued the search warrant, ruled that Kunze had voluntarily handed over the audio material.
Kunze responded to this as follows: “It was as voluntary as if someone said: Either you give me your key, or I break into your door.” She explained that she faced two options: give them the recordings, or they could search her home with her family, the “Zeit”‘s editorial offices in Hamburg, and potentially in Berlin, in search of the sound recordings. She maintained that the submission of the tapes was a direct result of the state pressure applied against her.
