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From what I have read, neither Churchill nor Patton (the 'good' guys') believed in prosecuting 'war-crimes'.
And do correct me if I am wrong.
Not sure about either.
However, I did read a book on the Nuremburg Trials that described the British as initially preferring summary executions over trials. They came around of course. The Russians and the French had reservations because some of their own deeds could have been exhibited.
It was not Patton's call and I believe he died before the trials anyway.
I have followed this case since the 1970's when the man was in Cleveland.
I never understood why and how Demjanjuk always evaded execution, he never admitted to being a death camp guard. And even if he was, wasn't he following orders like all the others who committed those crimes? In defense of an ideology they could disagree with deep down, yet for self preservation have to conform to?
I can understand wanting to get the top dog masterminds who are all dead now, but the camp guards only followed instruction.
The man is probably incoherent anyhow, he doesn't know up from down. What's the point of putting him through another trial? How competent do you think a sick 89 year old is?
I always felt like John Demjanjuk was "the fall guy" for all those who got away and evaded prosecution.
I have followed this case since the 1970's when the man was in Cleveland.
I never understood why and how Demjanjuk always evaded execution, he never admitted to being a death camp guard. And even if he was, wasn't he following orders like all the others who committed those crimes? In defense of an ideology they could disagree with deep down, yet for self preservation have to conform to?
I can understand wanting to get the top dog masterminds who are all dead now, but the camp guards only followed instruction.
The man is probably incoherent anyhow, he doesn't know up from down. What's the point of putting him through another trial? How competent do you think a sick 89 year old is?
I always felt like John Demjanjuk was "the fall guy" for all those who got away and evaded prosecution.
Firstly, the following orders defense was dismissed long ago. Moot. Secondly, there is no statute of limitations for Nazis and age does not absolve one of their deeds. Those are generalities.
As for Demjanjuk, I believe his accused of operating the gas chamber which would make him more than a guard. And he claims to have been a POW himself.
As for yet another trial, well, everyone gets their shot. That's the law.
I do not know whether he is guilty or not. The evidence is murky, memories fading, witnesses gone. But the Germans feel they have a case and they don't take these things lightly.
I never understood why and how Demjanjuk always evaded execution, he never admitted to being a death camp guard.
An admission of having committed a crime is not a prerequisite to conviction, as I'm sure you know.
Quote:
Originally Posted by LuckyGem
And even if he was, wasn't he following orders like all the others who committed those crimes? In defense of an ideology they could disagree with deep down, yet for self preservation have to conform to?
I can understand wanting to get the top dog masterminds who are all dead now, but the camp guards only followed instruction.
Self-preservation didn't require him to become a death camp guard. He wasn't conscripted -- he volunteered, like the majority of his colleagues. He chose a job which involved the deliberate extermination of millions of human beings and he stayed with it. That's why in most such instances, the "I was just following orders" defense is rejected as nonsense.
Quote:
Originally Posted by LuckyGem
The man is probably incoherent anyhow, he doesn't know up from down. What's the point of putting him through another trial? How competent do you think a sick 89 year old is?
I don't think he entertained those considerations when he murdered sick and old men and women, pregnant women and babies, do you? I don't feel sorry for him. He sent plenty of incoherent 90-year-olds to the gas chamber, after stripping them naked and humiliating and (often) torturing them. As others have said previously, he's getting the better end of that bargain.
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