The World - News from May 19, 1987

Judge Andre Cerdini again rejected calls that former Gestapo chief Klaus Barbie be forced to attend his trial in Lyon, France, on charges of crimes against humanity. Barbie, 73, accused of being the Nazi “Butcher of Lyon” during World War II, claimed that his 1983 extradition from Bolivia was illegal and invoked his right not to attend the trial, expected to last until early July. Barbie’s action has outraged some of his alleged victims. All aged and some maimed, many have traveled long distances to attend the trial. The judge said Barbie’s presence was not necessary in the “present circumstances” but left open the possibility that it might be required later.