Germany - Nazi trial

Former Nazi SS on trial for killing Dutch resistance fighters

Article published on the 2009-10-28 Latest update 2009-10-28 16:47 TU

Heinrich Boere, in his Nazi SS uniform in an undated photo

The trial of an 88-year-old former Nazi SS soldier opened Wednesday in Aachen, Germany. Heinrich Boere is accused of killing three Dutch resistance fighters in 1944, and had reportedly told a magazine that the job was easy-- "you just had to bend a finger."

The trial was adjourned shortly after it started when Boere's defense team asked that the public prosecutor be replaced.

Boere, sitting in a wheelchair, appeared to be lethargic and inattentive during the hearing. He has admitted to the killings before, which occurred in the Dutch towns of Breda, Voorshoten and Wassenaar. He said he only carried out orders that he was given.

There was a momentary commotion in the spectator gallery at the trial when two suspected neo-Nazis entered the area, prompting some to chant, "Nazis out" and "Fascists get out of here."

Boere is on the top 10 list of wanted Nazis at the Simon Wiesenthal Centre in Jerusalem, andhas been identified as one of an elite hit squad called "Silver Pine" who were given orders to kill Dutch resistance fighters.

He faces life behind bars if convicted. The trial is scheduled to resume on Monday.