The Simon Wiesenthal Centre alleges that Csatáry, as police commander of the town, played a key role in the deportation of over 15,000 Jews to Auschwitz in 1941-44.

Csatáry, now 97, has issued conflicting statements on his role, claiming at one time that he had been confused with a namesake and at other times admitting a hand in deportations but saying that he merely performed “public administration duties”.

The indictment also alleges that Csatáry beat those interned regularly with his own hands and a whip without any special reason, regardless of their sex, age or state of health.

In view of the defendant’s advanced age, the trial will begin within three months, a prosecutors spokeswoman said.

Source: Hungary Around the Clock

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