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France Admits Guilt in WWII Deportations

By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 16, 2009 6:45 PM CST

(Newser) – A top judicial authority in France ruled today that the nation was guilty of deporting Jews in the Second World War, the Times of London reports. The landmark decision, confirming France's legal responsibility for the first time, left victims' families frustrated by refusing to give compensation. “The different measures taken since the end of the Second World War have made reparation as much as possible,” it said.

The Council of State made the ruling in the case of Madeleine Hoffman-Glemane, 75, whose mother was killed at Auschwitz. She was suing France for about $360,000; hundreds of others are awaiting their turn behind her. “We are simply asking to be treated like any other citizen who is a victim of asbestos poisoning or a road accident," one lawyer said. “When you suffer damage, you should be able to seek recourse."

Photographs of victims line the walls of the Auschwitz concentration camp on May 25, 2006 Auschwitz, Poland.
Photographs of victims line the walls of the Auschwitz concentration camp on May 25, 2006 Auschwitz, Poland.   (Getty Images)
Newly arrived deportees and guards at the Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz, Poland, circa 1943.
Newly arrived deportees and guards at the Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz, Poland, circa 1943.   (Getty Images)
A group of women and children arriving at the Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz, Poland, circa 1943.
A group of women and children arriving at the Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz, Poland, circa 1943.   (Getty Images)
Jewish deportees arriving at the railway terminus at the Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz, Poland, circa 1942.
Jewish deportees arriving at the railway terminus at the Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz, Poland, circa 1942.   (Getty Images)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Shannonals
Feb 17, 2009 2:19 AM CST
Now that the Council of State has admitted it's mistake, expect this to be the news quite a bit

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