LEGAL MURDER

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 5, 1 October 1929, Page 11

LEGAL MURDER

REMARKABLE VERDICT IN GERMAN TRIAL

ECHO OF SECRET SOCIETY MOVEMENT

CRIME INSPIRED BY “LOVE OF

FATHERLAND”

(United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (“Times” Cables.)

(Rec. September 30, 9.15 p.m.)

London, September 29.

The Berlin correspondent of “The Times” states that the trial of Lieutenant Eckermann, who ordered the execution of Herr Beyer, believing him to be a French spy and regarded the execution as legally justifiable as he sought to avert Beyer’s attack on the Reich, has been concluded. “There were inadequate grounds for Eckermann’s belief, therefore he committed involuntary homicide, but this falls within the amnesty of 1928 remitting sentences for acts done from political motives.” Such was the remarkable verdict of the Court, ending what was believed to be the last trial in connection with the Black Reichswehr, a former secret illegal reserve, which provided a long series of murder trials in which its members were accused of killing comrades suspected of treachery.

Eckermann was extradited from Gautemala in 1919, and accused of murdering Beyer in 1923. The Court awarded costs against the State.

The Nationalist Press rejoices at the verdict, declaring it proves the socalled murders were due to love of the Fatherland.

Republican newspapers express the opinion it is not a legal judgment, but a political move.