The view on Kalejs

Jan 13, 2000

The 86-year-old man is alleged to have killed tens of thousands of Jews.

He has lived in four of the world's most democratic and wealthy
nations, forced to leave three of them because he was deported or
threatened with deportation.

For almost 15 years, Kalejs has proclaimed his innocence in the face
of horrible accusations.

Sure enough, his discovery sparked a lot of anger and thought most
recently in Australia.

"We're here to prove that he's not welcome here,"said a protester.

- Los Angeles Times

"The plain facts are that Konrads Kalejs has not been on trial for
war crimes in any country, let alone been found guilty. There has
been an investigation. New evidence has been considered, and will be
in the future,"wrote Australia's Justice Minister Senator Amanda
Vanstone

- Melbourne Age

"I think there is a perception that this is a government that just
hopes the problem will go away,"said Australia's Acting Opposition
Leader, Simon Crean

- Canberra Times

He had the "highest respect for the Australian government. Some time
in the past (Prime Minister John Howard) wrote a letter and I
received a copy, that the Australian government has no proof and
therefore no reason to prosecute me,"said Konrads Kalejs, speaking to
SBS Radio.

- Sydney Morning Herald

"Kalejs hasn't been investigated on grounds of anti-genocide
legislation, because we don't have it in Australia. If we did, there
would be scope to open his case because anti-genocide legislation has
much broader scope,"said Brian Greig, Australian Democrats.

- Courier Mail (Brisbane)

"It's not a question of being sloppy on this. Those who want action
have to realize there is a difference between innuendo, claims and
allegations, and real new evidence. We need real evidence and that is
really the challenge for those who believe a prosecution should be
launched,"said Acting Prime Minister John Anderson.

- Sydney Morning Herald

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