New York, N.Y., September 18, 2002 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today condemned the early release of convicted Nazi collaborator Maurice Papon. Papon, convicted in 1998 for complicity in crimes against humanity, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for signing the deportation order that sent more than a thousand Jews to their deaths at Auschwitz. He served as chief of police in Bordeaux during the Vichy period and, following the war, became chief of police in Paris.

"The excessive leniency of the French court demonstrates a misguided compassion that Maurice Papon does not deserve," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "Papon has never expressed regret for sending Jews to their deaths, and has repeatedly thumbed his nose at the French judicial system. When the court sentenced the then 87-year-old Papon to 10 years in prison, it was understood that this would be a 'life term.' "

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.