Judy Meisel
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Stutthof Trials:

THE TRIAL OF JOHANN REHBOGEN

Trial Opened in Munster: November 6, 2018

  • Associated Press: Stutthof Nazi Camp Guard Going on Trial in Germany
  • The Guardian: Nazi war crimes suspect, 94, faces German youth court trial

Week 1

On opening day, charges were presented by the prosecution as well as statements by a few of the co-plaintiffs, including Judy. Ben Cohen, Judy's grandson, attended the opening of the trial. He was the only family member of any victim at Stutthof to attend. 
The New York Times: ​Ex-Guard, 94, at Nazi Camp Is Tried in German Juvenile Court
Ms. Meisel’s grandson, Benjamin Cohen, 34, attended Tuesday’s trial as part of a documentary he is making about her life.
“To have her statement read in court today and have her story heard by everyone in that courtroom was so monumental for her and for our family,” Mr. Cohen said. “It puts into perspective how important it is to acknowledge these crimes and never stop telling these stories.” — The New York Times
Read more:
  • ​Associated Press: Former Nazi SS camp guard, 94, goes on trial in Germany.
  • BBC: ​Holocaust trial: Germany tries former SS guard at Stutthof camp

Week 2

During week 2 of the trial the defense lawyers for Dr. Rehbogen presented a 17-page statement from their client. He acknowledged some terrible conditions in the camp, but denied any first-hand knowledge of any killings or a gas chamber. He offered no apology to the victims.

The prosecutors were allowed to begin asking questions but direct answers were not provided. Instead, the defense counsel prepared written responses to present in court at the next session.
I was never a Nazi.
—Dr. Johann Rehbogen
  • Associated Press: Former Nazi camp guard testifies he was aware of camp conditions.
  • Reuters: Former death-camp guard tells court he was never a Nazi.

Week 3

The expert historian was brought before the court to present evidence on behalf of the prosecution. He directly countered the assertion by the defense that the accused was drafted into his service for the S.S.. All members of the S.S. in Poland served voluntarily. In the middle of the hearing, Mr. Rehbogen fell asleep and was apparently unable to follow the proceeding. Judge Brackhane ended the session after only 90 minutes.
"Doctor Rehbogen, can you still follow?" 
—​Judge Rainer Brackhane
  • Die Welt: There could be no forced recruitment to the Waffen-SS.

The trial of Johann Rehbogen never continued. He claimed he was too ill to be in court and months later, in early 2019, the judges officially dismissed the trial.

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  • About
  • Judy's Story
  • THE TRIALS
  • THE JUDY PROJECT
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