Summary
A German court ruled that 100-year-old former Nazi guard Gregor Formanek can stand trial for aiding 3,322 murders at Sachsenhausen concentration camp (1943–1945).
The decision overturns a lower court’s ruling that deemed Formanek unfit for trial due to insufficient psychiatric evaluation.
Germany has intensified efforts to prosecute remaining Nazi war criminals since a 2011 precedent allowed convictions without proof of direct killings.
Time is critical, as many suspects have died or become unfit for trial, leaving historical accountability as an urgent priority.
Impact is likely minimal as pretty much everyone with direct involvement is dead. As for his life after, I doubt there was much regret, prison guards weren’t just randomly assigned. He actively has to choose that assignment and be approved for it.