Three former guards of the Czestochowa concentration camp were sentenced to death yesterday after being convicted by the Leipzig Criminal Court of torturing and killing Jewish prisoners. More than 50 survivors of the camp testified during the three-week trial. Two other guards were sentenced to penal servitude for life and 14 got prison terms at hard labor ranging from one to 20 years.
Attorney General Hentschel, in his summation address, appealed to the court to show by its verdict that crimes against humanity and peace must not be allowed to go unpunished. He added: “Above all, your verdict must show how much we value again the lives of our Jewish fellowmen.” Dr. Fritz Grunsfeld addressed the court on behalf of the Jewish community which had been admitted to take part in the trial as amicus curiae.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.