Germany may arrest Holocaust-denying Bishop

Katy Greene
February 27th, 2009
3:30 PM

Germany is considering arresting a bishop that denies the Holocaust ever happened. The countries justice minister said that he would be arrested on a hate crime charge. Several countries that are members of the European Union have made it a crime to deny that the Holocaust ever happened.
Brigitte Zyphries, the German Justice Minister, said that the arrest would be applied to all members of the European Union, which would mean that the bishop could not merely leave the country to evade arrest. Richard Williamson, the German bishop, denied that the Holocaust happened in a Swedish interview that was broadcast on television. Although he currently lives in Britain, because the arrest applies to all of the European Union, he would still be arrested.
During the interview, Williamson said that six million Jews were not really killed during World War II, with the actual number being between 200,000 and 300,000. Although Williamson apologized on Thursday, he did not say that he no longer believed what he said, or revoked it. The Vatican said that this is unacceptable, and he needs to "absolutely and unequivocally distance himself from his remarks."
I think that Richard Williamson's statements are unacceptable. Speaking out against the Holocaust will merely reopen old wounds in Germany, and stir up old hatreds. I think it is a good thing that Wiliamson can be arrested anywhere in the European Union, as this prevents him from evading arrest. I am pleased that the Vatican has chosen to not only distance themselves from,but also outspokenly condemn, Williamson and his prejudiced beliefs.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29429153/