Closing arguments have recently begun for the trial of Gabriel Sohier Chaput, a 35-year-old neo-Nazi who’s been charged in Montreal with willfully inciting hatred against Jews. But last week, the trial took an odd turn: the judge and lawyers began arguing over whether it was inherent to Nazi ideology to murder six million Jews.
The defence lawyer said that, in school, she was taught that Nazis only killed Jews with gas because it was cheaper than housing them in camps. The judge called that a step too far—but he nonetheless admonished the prosecutor for not bringing in experts to prove there was a clear link between Nazism and the defining genocide of modern history.
To discuss what’s at stake, we’re joined by Sam Goldstein, B’nai Brith’s director of legal affairs, who breaks down the trial and why Jewish organizations are outraged at the direction of this case.
What we talked about:
- Read the full article, “The trial of this accused Jew-hater in Montreal has turned into a debate over the link between Nazism and the Holocaust“
Credits
The CJN Daily is written and hosted by Ellin Bessner (@ebessner on Twitter). Victoria Redden is the producer. Michael Fraiman is the executive producer. Our theme music is by Dov Beck-Levine. Our title sponsor is Metropia. We’re a member of The CJN Podcast Network. To learn how to support the show by subscribing to this podcast, please watch this video.
