Polish court issues arrest warrant for US man in Nazi case
Prosecutors accuse Michael Karkoc, 98, of commanding SS-led unit and ordering the killing of 44 Poles during WWII
WARSAW, Poland — A court in eastern Poland has issued an arrest warrant for a Minnesota man sought in a Nazi massacre, opening the way for Poland to seek his extradition from the United States.
The Associated Press had previously identified the man as 98-year-old Michael Karkoc, an ex-commander in an SS-led unit that burned Polish villages and killed civilians in World War II.
Earlier this week, prosecutors from the Institute of National Remembrance said evidence shows that American citizen Michael K. was a commander of a unit in the SS-led Ukrainian Self Defense Legion that raided Polish villages.
They sought an arrest warrant for him from a court in eastern Poland, a step toward extradition.
Judge Dariusz Abamowicz told the AP Wednesday the regional court in Lublin issued a warrant after concluding that there was “high probability” the suspect committed the war crimes listed by prosecutors.
Karkoc must be present in court in Poland since the country does not recognize trial in absentia.
Karkoc’s son, Andriy Karkoc, said his father is innocent of any war crimes. He said the family is calling on the judge to release any evidence that may implicate his father. He said if prosecutors have no proof, the arrest warrant is meaningless.
The son also pointed out that German prosecutors declined in 2015 to seek Karkoc’s extradition, concluding he was unfit to stand trial.
It was not immediately clear when Poland’s Justice Ministry would send the extradition motion to US justice authorities.
Messages seeking comment left with the US Department of State and the US Attorney’s Office in Minnesota were not immediately returned Wednesday.
Poland’s justice officials have not released the suspect’s last name, in line with Poland’s privacy laws.
Copyright 2017 The Associated Press.
