U.S. Said to Warn Israel Against Holding Demjanjuk
The State Department warned Israel earlier this week that further detention of accused Nazi death camp guard John Demjanjuk would elicit a strong reaction from the United States, sources within the World Jewish Congress said Thursday.
The sources said the written warning came a day before Israel’s attorney general decided Wednesday not to bring new charges against the retired Cleveland auto worker after his conviction for being war criminal “Ivan the Terrible” was overturned.
The Justice Department, which is fighting Demjanjuk’s return to the United States, was not informed of the action, nor apparently was Secretary of State Warren Christopher, the Jewish Congress sources said.
The sources called the U.S. action a blatant interference in Israel’s internal affairs.
The Israeli Supreme Court is now deciding an appeal against the government’s decision, and a ruling is expected by next week. If it rules in favor of the government, Demjanjuk would be free to leave Israel.
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