Latvia: The state should not assume responsibility for Nazi crimes

Restitution should exclude question of guilt

Jewish organisations in Latvia are to be compensated for property expropriated by the Nazi occupying forces during World War II, even though the process of restitution ended long ago.

A parliamentary commission is currently working on a draft law to this effect.

The property should be given back to the Jewish community on one condition, the national conservative daily Neatkarīgā comments:

“Most people believe that the state should not assume responsibility for Nazi crimes committed in Latvia. Nevertheless, in view of the current international tensions Latvia should comply with the requests of our major ally the US and restitute the property to the Jewish community.

… We could even give it back as a gift. But if we want to do something good for the Jewish organisations we should avoid conveying the impression that the Latvian state is shouldering responsibility for Nazi crimes.”