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Former SS medic at Auschwitz going on trial in Germany Trial of former SS medic at Auschwitz verging on collapse
(about 3 hours later)
NEUBRANDENBURG, Germany — A 95-year-old former SS medic is going on trial on 3,681 counts of accessory to murder on allegations he helped the Nazis’ Auschwitz death camp function. NEUBRANDENBURG, Germany — The trial of a former SS medic on 3,681 counts of accessory to murder on allegations he helped the Nazis’ Auschwitz death camp function appears close to collapse before it even opens, after a doctor found the 95-year-old defendant unfit to be transported to the court.
Prosecutors allege Hubert Zafke’s unit was involved in putting gas into gas chambers to kill Jews and others, screening blood and other samples from hospitalized women prisoners and otherwise helping the camp run by treating SS guard personnel. Presiding Judge Klaus Kabisch told the Neubrandenburg state court Monday a doctor over the weekend found Hubert Zafke was suffering from stress and high blood pressure, and had suicidal thoughts.
They say the unit was also involved in auxiliary guard duties. The trial’s opening was postponed until March 14, with both sides agreeing Zafke should be examined by doctors the morning of the proceedings to see if he is fit.
Zafke’s attorney insists his client did nothing criminal at Auschwitz. Zafke’s unit was allegedly involved in putting gas into gas chambers to kill Jews, among other things.
The charges stem from a one-month period in 1944 and involve 14 transports of Jews, including Anne Frank and her family. Frank died later in Bergen-Belsen. Zafke’s attorney insists his client did nothing criminal.
As the Neubrandenburg state court trial opens Monday, judges are expected to evaluate whether Zafke’s fit to stand trial.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.