German neo-Nazi trial begins in Munich

Main defendant is Beate Zschaepe, allegedly complicit in the murder of nine immigrants and a policewoman between 2000-2007

The undated file photo provided by German federal criminal investigation office BKA in December 2011, shows terror suspect Beate Zschaepe after her arrest. (photo credit: AP Photo/BKA, File)
The undated file photo provided by German federal criminal investigation office BKA in December 2011, shows terror suspect Beate Zschaepe after her arrest. (photo credit: AP Photo/BKA, File)

MUNICH (AP) — The trial of five Germans alleged to have been part of a neo-Nazi terror campaign against immigrants begins Monday in Munich.

The main defendant is 38-year-old Beate Zschaepe. Prosecutors accuse her of complicity in the murder of eight Turks, a Greek and a policewoman between 2000 and 2007. Her lawyer has contested the charges.

Zschaepe is also accused of involvement in at least two bombings and 15 bank robberies carried out by her accomplices Uwe Mundlos and Uwe Boenhardt. Both men died in an apparent murder-suicide in November 2011.

Four male defendants are accused of assisting the self-styled National Socialist Underground in various ways.

The trial has raised questions about German authorities’ inability to prevent the crimes and the apparent readiness with which police initially dismissed a far-right motive.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press

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