The War Crimes Trial of Hungarian Prime Minister László Bárdossy

Pál Pritz

Laszlo Bardossy was a wartime prime minister executed for his role in mass murder, but his role remains controversial. His trial was riddled with blunders and some, especially those on the extreme right, now call him a martyr and are demanding a retrial. Was Bárdossy a villain or was he himself a victim of Communist-inspired mass murder?

He was at the helm in 1941–42 when Hungary declared war on Britain, the United States, and the Soviet Union, and he was charged with sending more than 600,00 Jews to Nazi death camps. This book offers readers a balanced interpretation of Bardossy’s life. The volume also includes two rare documents: the charges of the prosecution in his post-war trial, and Bardossy’s statement in defense of his policies.

About the Author

Pál Pritz is professor of history at Eotvos Lorand University, Budapest.

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