On May 11, John Demjanjuk’s trial ended in Germany. A Ukrainian by birth, a US citizen for many years, and a stateless one currently, since the US revoked his citizenship, John Demjanjuk was accused of being an accomplice in the death of hundreds of thousands of Jews almost 70 years earlier. Brought into court on a wheel chair and sometimes a hospital bed, the 91-year-old was sentenced to five years in prison.
No clear evidence exists connecting him to a specific incident. Yet he is considered a participant in 28,060 counts of murder that took place in Sobibor death camp in 1943. The theory is if he worked as a guard at the camp, then he is an accomplice in the murders.
Prosecutors believe that this verdict will allow other low-ranking Nazis—German or otherwise—to face prosecution; hence, subordinates, guards, and administrators would face trial if alive, and anyone and everyone remotely connected to the camps or the Nazi regime could be accused and sentenced.
This is an interesting analogy comparable to what is happening in Egypt. After the revolution, the quest for justice started with the Minister of Interior and a few others. It soon expanded upwards to include Mubarak, his sons, their wives, many ministers, and the Prime Minister. Then it stretched downwards to include journalists, more government officials, officers, mayors, businessmen and, oddly enough, a football team manager—almost all detained while “under investigation.” Then it mushroomed into further investigations of subordinates and low-ranking officials.
The prisons are crammed with to-be-sentenced criminals. While Mubarak got away for health reasons temporarily, his sons and ministers have landed in Torra Prison—and have been locked up for some time, too. Now Susanne Thabet, Mubarak’s wife, precariously awaits being sent to El Qanater Prison for women.
Egyptians are as adamant as the Jews and Germans that those who erred be judged and sentenced.
I tend to believe that in Egypt’s case many other culprits exist beyond those in prison and those investigated. Many others utilized their positions and the system for their own benefit while even more bought privileges. This scenario was acceptable and had gone on for years. It became an entrenched social pattern in Egypt. Because the powerful profited illegally, similar conduct trickled down and became the norm.
And poverty also played a huge role in setting these guidelines. If in need, you can be bought. If in need, you did what you can to feed your children even if it meant committing an offence or asking for a bribe.
I tend to think that the majority sinned—from both ends of the spectrum, from the top to the bottom. Anyone who had power, be it minor or major, used it.
However, this scene has vanished altogether. It would be difficult for someone to use his position and authority today in Egypt, or so I believe. Gone are the days of such revolting behavior and atrocities. Again kudos to the revolution.
However, John Demjanjuk is a case in point. “Is it still worthwhile to prosecute old men for crimes that may or may not have been committed six decades ago?” the CBC News of May 12 asks. Similarly, to what lengths will Egyptians go to serve justice? And until when? Will they still be hunting down criminals in 70 years? And how far down are they willing to go to reach the roots of evil? How about the poverty stricken guards who guarded the prison cells where innocent Egyptians were tortured?
My constant battle with friends, family, and even my husband is this particular dilemma. I find it wrong to prosecute a 91-year-old man especially if his crime is not defined—my husband doesn’t. I don’t understand the need to keep feelings of resentment and bitterness intact for decades—most probably many others do.
By the same token, I find it excruciatingly painful to see subordinates questioned only because they worked with a guilty minister—my friends don’t; they say that the subordinates should have left their positions or reported the minister. I find it revolting to embarrass and disgrace those investigated—others believe that everyone should be exposed and humiliated if necessary first because they deserve it and second so that others heed similar atrocities.
Where is this witch hunt taking Egypt? How deep will it go? For how long will Egyptians keep the vengefulness aflame?
If this is the case, Egyptians must confront reality. Have you never erred, I ask? Have you ever paid a bribe to get a job done faster or a permit secured? Have you ever double parked your car and given the policeman a couple of bucks so that he assumes your car invisible? And have you never asked a big shot to find a job for a relative?
And don’t tell me that these are minor misdemeanors because if you go after the subordinate because he is associated with the big offender, then you are an accomplice if you use the same system. What goes for the goose goes for the gander. You are no better. Definitely no better.
I rest my case.
Excellent articles. The way Azza explain issues are amazing. It is very simple way of following issues. Thanks Azza.
ZF
Posted by: Zak Farid | 05/23/2011 at 01:41 PM