Former Nazi focus camp guard deported from US to Germany

Issued on: 20/02/2021 – 15:56

Friedrich Karl Berger, who had been residing in Tennessee and had German citizenship, was deported for collaborating in “Nazi-sponsored acts of persecution” whereas serving as an armed guard on the Neuengamme Focus Camp system in 1945, the division mentioned.

“Berger’s elimination demonstrates the Division of Justice’s and its legislation enforcement companions’ dedication to making sure that the US isn’t a secure haven for many who have participated in Nazi crimes towards humanity and different human rights abuses,” mentioned Appearing Lawyer Common Monty Wilkinson.

A US immigration choose ordered the deportation of Berger, who has been residing within the US since 1959, in March of final 12 months.

Berger was stationed close to Meppen, Germany the place prisoners had been held in “atrocious” circumstances and labored “to the purpose of exhaustion and loss of life,” Choose Rebecca Holt mentioned on the time.

Her opinion adopted a two-day trial by which Berger admitted he had prevented prisoners from fleeing the Meppen camp.

However he additionally mentioned he didn’t know prisoners had been badly handled and that some had died. He mentioned he was following orders.

Berger was flown to Germany Saturday and arrived in Frankfurt, the place he will probably be questioned, the Celle prosecutor’s workplace mentioned.

It was not instantly clear if he will probably be placed on trial. Prosecutors in Germany dropped costs towards Berger in December 2020, citing inadequate proof.

But when he’s keen to discuss the accusations towards him the case may very well be revived.

(AFP)