Demjanjuk

Do you agree that John (Ivan) Demjanjuk should have been extridited to Germany to stand trial on charges of being an SS Concentration camp guard. In 1993 Isreal overturned his guilty verdict on appeal based on written evidense that the true "Ivan the Terrible" of Treblinka was a man named "Ivan Marchenko".

The US can deport based on his false citizenship application in which he did not disclose he was a member of the SS. But many other German SS members were granted citizenship based on political need (ie spy on the East Germans and Soviet occupation Army).

Now he again is on trial in Germany for charges of being "Ivan The Terrible" discounting the more extensive Isreali investigation and subsequent appeal decesion.

The man is 89, and after the war was a veteran trying to re-establish a life here in the US after a very terrifying expierience in the War. A Soviet soldier, captured by the Germans, recruited into a anti-Soviet German military unit (death sentence if returned to native Ukraine after war) did the duty assigned as a guard (not a executioner in the camp), fled to the west to avoid capture by the Russians and as many other German military immagrated to the US.

Double jeopardy is only a US legal point, but if the Isreali's cleared him, how can the Germans convict with the same evidense. It is time to let it go, let him return back to his home in Ohio, and die with his US family at his side.

Many Isreali newspapers are also calling this as a "witch hunt" since thier courts cleared this man. One paper the Makor Rishon has stated that they will petition the government that this man can come to Isreal with his family, forget the war, and die of old age with dignity.

What do you feel should be done?

When I first heard of this, I honestly felt that he was getting what he deserved. Do the crime, do the time. However, I was not aware of the info regarding a previous trial and clearing by Israel. I will have to look for this. If true, I would lean towards letting him go. If the people that he is suspected of wronging have cleared him and are willing to forgive, perhaps everyone else should be as well. I wonder how much of this is based on issues regarding the resurgence of Nazi youth in Germany? Is this Germanies way of showing they are trying to do something about it? When I was in Munich last November, there happened to be some sort of Neo Nazi gathering. Seemed to make a lot of people nervous and got very little air time.

the guy is 88 years old...the doctor will probably file his report saying hes too old to stand trial and he'll be fine...the guys 88 for christ's sake. how much can they do to him? sentence him to life? that could just be another 2 months for all anyone knows

If he was actually a nazi, then yes this was the right thing to do. If not, that sucks.

Automatically enrolled as were all German males upon their 14th, birthday, was drafted out of Seminary school against his wishes, deserted his troop and was captured and released. Never at any time, did he lie to conceal his identity or past actions. But good try.

oldsoldier wrote: Double jeopardy is only a US legal point, but if the Isreali's cleared him, how can the Germans convict with the same evidense.

Eville wrote: Demjanjuk sounds like a metal band.

*throws up the horns