The Einsatzgruppen Case - Military Tribunal II Case 9

Count two of our indictment accused these defendants of violations of the laws and customs of war. The acts particularized in count one, in addition to constituting crimes against humanity also violated rules for the conduct of hostilities and are, therefore, charged as a distinct offense.
The Einsatzgruppen operated in occupied countries. The standards of conduct for an occupying power were established by the rules of war. They were obligated by international agreements to protect family honor and rights, to respect the person and property of noncombatants as well as their freedom of religion. Prisoners of war were to be treated as prescribed by humane codes adopted by all civilized nations. The evidence will disclose how the defendants in this case defied these laws, how unarmed civilians were methodically liquidated, how prisoners of war were casually selected for extermination, and it will also show whole-

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sale plunder and destruction devoid of all military necessity. All of these acts are war crimes as recognized in Law No. 10.

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Trials of War Criminals Before the Nurenberg Military Tribunals Under Control Council Law No. 10, Volume IV, Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office. pp. 50 - 51

**"The Einsatzgruppen Case"**

MILITARY TRIBUNAL II

Case No. 9

Count Two