Canada extradited an 83-year-old Vancouver man convicted of Nazi war crimes.
Michael Seifert arrived in Rome Saturday. He was taken to a military prison near Naples to serve out a life sentence. Because of his age and ill-health Seifert could serve his sentence in a military hospital ward or under house arrest.
Seifert, who has lived in Canada for more than 50 years, admitted that he was a guard at the SS prison transit camp in Bolzano from 1944 to 1945, but says he was not involved in the atrocities he has been accused of, including beating, torturing and murdering inmates.
He was convicted in absentia of murder in 2000 by an Italian military tribunal. He was ordered extradited in 2003 and the order was upheld by the British Columbia Court of Appeals in 2007. The Supreme Court of Canada refused to hear Seifert’s appeal.
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.
