Austrian newspaper apologises after printing a deceased man's Nazi rank on his death notice
The announcement of Lois Plock's death noted he was an 'Untersturmfuehrer'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A major Austrian newspaper has apologised for printing a death notice that carried the Nazi elite troop rank of the deceased.
The announcement of the death of Lois Plock in the Kleine Zeitung noted that he was an "Untersturmfuehrer" - a paramilitary rank of Hitler's special SS forces. SS members served as Hitler's bodyguard and formed elite units that carried out many of the era's Holocaust crimes and other atrocities.
The announcement also listed a Nazi-era decoration of the deceased and carried a verse associated with the oath of loyalty sworn by Nazi troops to the German dictator.
Glorifying the Nazi past is a crime in Austria. Chief Editor Hubert Patterer apologized for printing the notice on Sunday, one day after it appeared. He called it a "horrible mistake."
Associated Press
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.