Nov. 21, 1962 - In a suburb of Lille, France today, Jacques Vasseur (pictured) left his mother’s house for the first time in 17 years. Now 42, Vasseur went into hiding at the end of World War II rather than face charges of collaboration with the enemy. In 1943, Vasseur became head of the “auxiliary agents” of the Gestapo in Angers and Nantes. The Gestapo was the official secret police force of Nazi Germany. He infiltrated a number of resistance networks and participated in arrests, denunciations, torture, and murder. Following the Allied landings at Normandy, Vasseur fled to Heidelberg, Germany, and on September 11, 1945, he was condemned to death in absentia. He then returned to his mother’s house. From that time until today, Vasseur remained inside, hiding in the attic every time the doorbell rang. On Monday, however, Vasseur was too slow, and he was spotted. The police returned with a warrant today, and he was placed under arrest.
Comments