GERMAN FIRE TRIAL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22069, 27 September 1933, Page 7

GERMAN FIRE TRIAL

EVIDENCE BY TORGLER

FIVE MONTHS IN CHAINS

(United Press Association.) (By' Electric Telegraph—Copyright.)

BERLIN, September 25,

At the Leipzig trial Van der Lubbe, despite breaking his fast, was , still deathly pale, and seemed wholly disinterested in the proceedings. , Taneff, a shoemaker, admitted that he had been twice sentenced in his absence to 12} years’ imprisonment for Communist activities in Bulgaria, but was granted an amnesty. Torgler, on receiving permission to make a speech in answer to his indictment, announced in ringing tones: “I am completely innocent. I had nothing to do with the fire, directly or indirectly. I surrendered the day after the fire to defend myself against this monstrous charge. I fought in prison for seven months to prove my innocence. For five months I was kept day and night in chains. I did not endure the torture because I am strong bodily, hut because of the consciousness of my innocence and my determination to vindicate my party.” Van der Lubbe, re-examined,. listlessly answered questions regarding his movements the week before the fire. Asked whether he told welfare officers that it would be necessary to set fire to public buildings to provoke storm troopers and inflame the public, he replied: “Possibly.” ; .v. : ; > -

INSTRUCTIONS TO PRESS.

BERLIN, September 25. The German press has been instructed to suppress Torgler’s reference to chains, and merely to say that he proclaimed hia innocence. It is understood that Torgler’s hands were fastened to his waist allegedly because it was feared that he might commit suicide.