TRIAL OF WAR CRIMINALS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 208, 28 May 1921, Page 7

TRIAL OF WAR CRIMINALS

PROTEST AGAINST INADEQUATE SENTENCE.

London, May 26.

British newspapers protest at the inadequacy of the sentence of ten months’ imprisonment imposed on the German Sergeant Heyner for cruelty to British prisoners at a German camp. When the Court’s decision was announced in the House of Commons there were many cries of "Shame!"

A Leipzig telegram states that Heyner showed no emotion, though the Judge scathingly condemned him, saying that such actions as those of the prisoner had stained the honour of the German Army, and brought down upon Gorman heads the wrath of cultured people throughout the world.

The Court went on to try Captain Emil Muller for appalling cruelties at Flavy le Maitel Camp, including the photographing of prisoners when in agony.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

"SCANDALOUS FAILURE OF JUSTICE.” (Rec. May 27, 8.30 p.m.) London, May 27.

“The Times” editorially describes Horner’s sentence as a scandalous failure of justice. The paper adds: “Humanity and justice forbid the Government to acquiesce in the imposition of such a light punishment for so atrocious an offence. The fact that the Judge’s comments seemed to show a sense of the abominable nature of the crime makes the inadequacy of the sentence more revolting, and is instructive as showing the depths to which the minds of German civilians and Judges are tainted with the detestable militarist doctrine.” “The Times” asks: “Are the War Office emissaries who inspired the orders for the exercise of brutality to enjoy immunity, while underlings are made scapegoats? Public opinion will compel the Allies to take into serious and immediate consideration this and other aspects of the Leipzig trials.”—“The Times."