Swedish court allows extradition of alleged mastermind of Auschwitz sign theft
12 March 2010
A Stockholm court has ruled that a Swedish man can be extradited to Poland over his suspected involvement in the theft of the ‘Arbeit macht frei’ sign from the former Auschwitz death camp in December 2009. Anders Högström, 34, was arrested in Stockholm in February following an EU-wide warrant issued by Polish authorities. The theft of the "Arbeit macht frei" sign, an enduring symbol of the Holocaust, caused international outrage.
Defense lawyer Bjorn Sandin told the ‘Reuters’ news agency that Högström – a former neo-Nazi leader in Sweden – will probably appeal the ruling. If his appeal is rejected, the Swede will be handed over to Polish authorities within ten days.
Poland has already arrested five men it believes stole the sign and cut it into three pieces, but accuses Högström of orchestrating the crime. Three of the men have pleaded guilty to charges brought by prosecutors, according to the ‘Krakow Post’.
The metal sign is now being repaired. Officials say a replica now hanging over the entrance gate may remain there permanently as the original could prove too fragile to withstand the varying weather conditions.
» Polish court: EU-wide warrant for arrest of Swedish man over Auschwitz sign theft
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Steven Jewusiak, over 2 years ago
Let's hope that Sweden does the right thing and hands over that Nazi bastard to Poland so that he can do a long long time in prison for his part in this crime. I hope that the Poland courts if they do get him give him like 25 years for this crime.