‘Accountant of Auschwitz’ admits moral guilt

A former Auschwitz guard acknowledged he bears a share of the moral guilt for atrocities at the camp, but told judges at the opening of his trial that it is up to them to decide whether he deserves to be convicted as an accessory to murder.

Oskar Groening, 93, acknowledged having helped tally money as part of his job dealing with the belongings stolen from people arriving at Auschwitz. That earned him the moniker “Accountant of Auschwitz.”

Groening testified that he volunteered to join the SS in 1940 after training as a banker, and served at Auschwitz from 1942 to 1944. He didn’t mention participating in any atrocities and said he unsuccessfully sought a transfer after witnessing one.