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Abstract

During the Third Reich, Adolf Eichmann (1906–1962) served as an SS Obersturmbannführer and as head of Department IV B 4 (Jewish Affairs and Evacuation) at the Reich Security Main Office [Reichssicherheitshauptamt or RSHA]. He wrote the protocol at the Wannsee Conference and played a significant role in the deportation of Jews during the implementation of the “Final Solution.” In May 1960, Eichmann, then living in Argentina under an assumed name, was kidnapped by Israeli intelligence and brought to Jerusalem to stand trial. The proceedings against him began on April 10, 1961. He was sentenced to death in December 1961 and executed on June 1, 1962. The Eichmann Trial received extensive press and television coverage and was followed by a large international audience. This newsreel clip reports on the verdict and makes a point to emphasize the fairness of the trial and the fact that the Israeli court had judged “only Eichmann, not Germany.”

The Verdict is Announced in the Eichmann Trial (1961)

Source

One of the most tightly secured trials of our time has now come to an end in Jerusalem. Once again, the international press and the public crowded together to witness the verdict against Adolf Eichmann. Behind Eichmann stood an entire epoch, stood an occurence in breach of international law: the extermination of an entire tribe. Nevertheless, the Israelis judged only Eichmann, not Germany. They passed the death sentence after a correct and legally flawless trial. For this they deserve our admiration. The defendant had the last word. His words were harsh and rattling with coldness and cynicism.
/Eichmann: I had to bow to the re-evaluation of values prescribed by the state. And for my part, I would now ask the Jewish people for forgiveness  and confess that I am overcome with shame at the memory of the injustice done to the Jews and the deeds committed against them. But in view of the grounds for this verdict, this would probably only be interpreted as hypocrisy.

Source: UFA-Wochenschau 282/1961, December 19, 1961. Bundesarchiv Filmarchiv