Nuremberg Case #9 Einsatzgruppen

The “Einsatzgruppen Case“ charged 23 defendants, who were officers of the SS Elite Guard and in charge of the extermination squads, with responsibility for the murder of 2,000,000 people. The defendant's defense hinged upon the argument that they had acted legally, as soldiers, and had merely been following orders. The Opening Statement was presented by Ben Ferencz. The Tribunal found 20 defendants guilty with 14 sentenced to death, 2 to life and 5 from 10 to 20 years. For further information see