ThoughtCrime: 11/22/95
Man Convicted for Denying Knowledge of Gas Chambers
In a seemingly politically motivated move, the Government of Austria convicted
Edwin Neuwirth for claiming to have no knowledge of Nazi gas chambers. Mr.
Neuwirth, was a respected industrialist and former Waffen SS soldier. He
won notoriety recently when he invited Russian nationalist Vladimir Zhirinovsky
to Austria.
Mr. Neuwirth, who is 68 years of age, was convicted by an eight-member
jury, in a seven to one vote, under a law banning statements or actions
that deny Nazi atrocities or glorify Nazi activities. Neuwirth was given
a one-year suspended sentence.
Neuwirth's truoubles began when he invited Zhirinovsky to Austria in
December 1993. The visit embarrassed establishment politicians in Austria.
Many complained that Zhirinovsky, known for his fiery nationalism, not be
allowed to ever return. During Zhirinovsky's visit, Neuwirth commented during
an interview that he knew nothing of gas chambers in Nazi concentration
camps, where it is alleged that millions of Jews were killed during the
Second World War. It is reported that Neuwirth responded to a question about
the gas chambers, "I know nothing about that.'' He also went on to add,
"And there are studies that were made there which say there were no gas
chambers.''
During the trial, Neuwirth pleaded not guilty, saying he was referring
in the interview to what he knew at the time. Neuwirth served during World
War II with the elite Waffen SS. He served from age 16 to 19 after his ethnic
German family was driven out of Moldavia in 1940. According to the
Austria Press Agency, Neuwirth said, ``My thought was that I didn't
know anything during the war... What I can't see I don't know.''
The verdict in this case places all Austrians who survived the Second
World War in jeopardy. The Orwellian enforcement of this law now makes honest
recollection of one's wartime experiences a crime in Austria.
Neuwirth has appealed the verdict.
Adapted from The Associated Press
"Thoughtcrime does not entail death: thoughtcrime IS death."
George Orwell
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