Eichmann Trial -- Session 95 -- Cross-examination of the Accused

Emil Knebel was a cinematographer known for Andante (2010), Adam (1973), and Wild Is My Love (1963). He was one of the cameramen who recorded daily coverage of the Eichmann trial in Jerusalem (produced by Capital Cities Broadcasting Corp and later held academic positions in Israel and New York teaching filmmaking at universities. Refer to CV in file. Footage begins near the end of Session 95. Judge Halevi asks the accused whether Gerhard Boldt, a critic of Hitler, had broken his oath of loyalty by writing after Hitler's death. Eichmann states that he did not but notes that he felt that Boldt had because he criticized Hitler during the war (00:02:06). Halevi continues by asking Eichmann if one is released from their oath of loyalty after Hitler's death (00:03:10). Footage cuts 00:03:33 to 00:04:17. Halevi's question about being released from one's oath is repeated and footage continues without missing any of the session. The accused replies in the affirmative stating that he is also released from his oath (00:04:40). This entire beginning section (00:00:41 to 00:05:16) is duplicate footage also found on Tape 2147 (00:03:08-00:04:41). Footage cuts 00:05:17. A small portion of the session is skipped. Footage resumes with Hausner telling the accused that he can not evade his questions regarding this feelings towards the extermination process and those involved. Eichmann replies that it depends on the individual involved and that it is not up to him to pass judgment on others who received these orders. This is duplicate footage also found on Tape 2147 (from 00:11:30 to 00:12:34). The footage on Tape 2147 is more complete. Footage cuts 00:07:33. The footage skips part of the session to Judge Halevi questioning the accused about how he felt in the past towards the extermination of the Jews. Eichmann gives a long reply that he was terribly shocked by the murder of the Jews and had asked repeatedly to be released from his duties. He goes on to state that he never thought that the solution to the Jewish question was justified but was unfortunately bound by his oath of loyalty (00:07:39 the translation into Hebrew and English begins at 00:11:12). This is duplicate footage also found on Tape 2147 (from 00:19:21 to 00:26:54). Footage continues with Hausner accusing Eichmann of never attempting to get out of his duties (00:14:59) and reads an excerpt, in German, from the Sassen document (00:15:26). The Sassen document was comprised of a set of tapes and their transcripts of interviews between Adolf Eichmann and Willem Sassen. Sassen, Dutch by birth, was attached to an Einsatzgruppen unit during the war. Sentenced to death in his own country, Sassen fled after the war to South America where he met Eichmann. Their interview over a four month period in 1957 became the Sassen Document used in the trial. Eichmann denies this claim and states that he asked his superiors several times to be released from his duties (00:15:45). Hausner tells Eichmann that he told Sassen that he never tried to get out of his position and that he was aware of the statement having reviewed the tapes and transcripts. Eichmann is asked to read a portion of the document and is shown reading (00:17:53 to 00:18:07). There is some confusion regarding this document because the accused reads from the wrong section. Eichmann finally reads the correct portion of the document out loud (00:20:43). Again Eichmann denies having review or received the portion of transcripts he has just read. Defense counsel Robert Servatius asks the court that the accused be allowed to read a portion of handwritten notes from the document (00:25:57). Eichmann reads from the document (00:26:25). Judge Landau asks to end the session (00:29:20) and all rise as the judges exit the courtroom (00:29:24). Eichmann is shown leaving the booth (00:29:40). There are various shots of the audience leaving the courtroom.