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WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

Nazis In South America

Apr 7, 2025
Philippe Sands, an esteemed international lawyer and author focusing on human rights, joins James Holland and Al Murray to unravel the chilling connections between Nazis and South American dictatorships. They explore how high-ranking SS criminals like Walter Rauf infiltrated Chile, blending into society post-war. The discussion also dives into Mossad's ties with former Nazis and the ethical dilemmas faced by lawyers representing controversial figures. The haunting legacy of these ties continues to impact Chilean society today.
52:33

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Walter Rauf's post-war life in Chile illustrates the troubling integration of former Nazis into society, obscuring their heinous pasts.
  • The connection between Rauf and the Pinochet regime reveals the persistence of Nazi ideologies, impacting Chile's reconciliation with its historical atrocities.

Deep dives

The Intriguing Life of Walter Rauf

Walter Rauf was a key figure during World War II, directly involved in the implementation of the mobile gas vans responsible for countless executions. After the war, he fled to various countries, ultimately settling in South America, where his past made little difference as he sought to build a new life. Rauf's transition from a notorious Nazi officer to a respected community member in Chile reveals the complexities of post-war identities. His remarkable journey included working in a crab canning factory, managing operations while hiding his true history from most of the local populace.

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