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Maurice PaponFrench collaborator
Date of Birth: 03.09.1910
Country:  France |
Content:
- Biography of Maurice Papon
- Early Life
- Collaboration during World War II
- Continued Crimes and Recognition
- Extradition and Conviction
- Unwavering Beliefs
Biography of Maurice Papon
Maurice Papon, a French collaborator and Nazi, who evaded trial, is a symbol of the delayed but still impending retribution for past sins. Papon never repented for his crimes, believing that he acted in the best interest of France. However, both the justice system and public opinion see it differently.
Early Life
Maurice Papon was born on September 3, 1910, in Grez-Armenvilliers, France.
Collaboration during World War II
During the years of World War II, Papon became an accomplice of the fascists and supported the collaborationist Vichy government. While serving as the Chief of Police in Bordeaux, Papon committed crimes, including being responsible for the deportation of over a thousand Jews to concentration camps. Despite his actions, he managed to avoid any consequences.
Continued Crimes and Recognition
After the war, Papon continued his career in public service in independent France and once again displayed his criminal nature during the bloody suppression of the 1961 Paris demonstration while serving as the Prefect of Police in Paris.
Papon succeeded in securing a prominent position, receiving the Legion of Honor and even serving as the Minister of Finance from 1978 to 1981. It was only in 1981 that the truth about his crimes came to light.
Extradition and Conviction
In an attempt to escape retribution, Papon fled abroad. However, in 1998, he was extradited to France as a war criminal. He was convicted for his wartime crimes and stripped of the Legion of Honor.
Unwavering Beliefs
Until his death on February 17, 2007, Maurice Papon remained convinced of his own righteousness and publicly declared it.
