The Israel Bar Association disclosed today that it “does not object” to any of its members advising Dr. Robert Servatius, who will direct the defense of Nazi extermination specialist Adolf Eichmann, on matters of Israel criminal law procedures and laws of evidence.
The Association said, however, that it would not appoint any member to help the Cologne attorney, and said he should make a private agreement with an Israel attorney.
The trial, to open in Jerusalem in the spring, is expected by some Israeli officials to last at least eight months, possibly one year. It will be held in the new Jerusalem community center, the Beth Ha’Am, which is being rushed to completion for this purpose.
While Israeli officials do not want a “show trial” of the proceedings, they have pointed out that they must have enough room to accommodate at least 360 Israeli and foreign correspondents who have already applied for accreditation to cover the trial. In addition, about 400 seats, they said, must be set aside for Government officials, and foreign Jurists and lawyers who have indicated their wish to attend the proceedings. There will probably be very few seats for the accommodation of the general public.
The trial will be conducted in Hebrew. But there will be simultaneous interpretations, in German for the defense, and in English and French for the foreign press and for observers from abroad. The Government information office will assign a photo unit for still pictures and films, and these will be made available to all news media.
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