The leading Nazi figures were tried after World War Two. Evidence was everywhere—photos, documents, witnesses. But when the judge asked whether they were guilty they all said not guilty. People could not believe it. But it was not chance. It was in their strategy.
One is they did not have confidence in the court. They termed it victor justice—in other words, the war winners were simply punishing the losers. When they said “not guilty” it meant they did not respect the entire thing.
But it was not all about the court or orders. It was also about pride. These men had been influential. To accept guilt was to accept they were wrong. Their lives, their creed—nothing. And they said no. By saying not guilty they were trying to stand tall though lying.
Nobody believed them after all. They were convicted by the court. Nevertheless they never gave in. And against the world they held their story—cold, proud, obdurate to the last.
