Priebke in court Erich Priebke

in court, priebke declared himself not guilty. did not deny had done, denied moral responsibility. blamed massacre on whom branded italian terrorists behind attack in 33 german ss men killed. order came directly hitler, , thought legitimate punishment. during trial became clear priebke had shot 2 italians. in testimony 1946 before managed escape.

around noon on 24 march 1944, 335 men went ardeatine caves in rome. tied hands behind backs, , names read out loud. in groups of five, went caves. priebke went inside second or third group , shot man italian machine pistol. toward end, shot man same machine pistol. executions ended when got dark night. after shootings, explosives used shut caves. priebke found not guilty reason of acting under orders.

on 1 august 1996, orders given immediate release of priebke. italian minister of justice later said priebke might re-arrested, depending on whether or not extradited germany charged murder. courts blocked demonstrators on 7 hours after priebke s trial.

the judges voted 2 against 1 convicting 83-year-old priebke taking part of massacres, had admitted, acquitted again, purportedly because had been following orders. there strong reactions family members of victims, claimed judges put no value on human lives. shimon samuels, leader of simon wiesenthal center said ruling, italy permitting crimes against humanity.