Polish prosecutors seek prison terms of up to 2 1/2 years for Auschwitz sign thieves
By APThursday, March 4, 2010
Prosecutors seek prison terms for Auschwitz theft
WARSAW, Poland — Prosecutors say they are seeking prison terms of up to 2 1/2 years for three Poles who confessed to stealing the infamous “Arbeit Macht Frei” sign from the former Auschwitz Nazi death camp.
Krakow prosecutors’ spokeswoman Boguslawa Marcinkowska said Thursday the suspects are prepared to accept a settlement that would eliminate the need for a trial.
Prosecutors have asked a court to impose prison terms ranging from 18 months to 2 1/2 years. There is no date for a decision.
Prosecutors are investigating the role of two other Poles suspected in the Dec. 18 theft. A Swedish man suspected of ordering it is in custody in Sweden awaiting a decision on extradition.
The sign — which means “Work Makes You Free” — was recovered days after the theft.
