Representatives of Colombia’s Jewish community said Friday the country’s Inspector General has denied being a Holocaust denier.
The community has demanded a clarification of Inspector General after the latter on national radio refused to answer a question whether he thought the holocaust was exaggerated.
Hector Abad (journalist / writer):
Mister Inspector General, with the utmost respect, I would like to ask as you mentioned that you felt as on the Nuremburg trials [during which numerous nazis were tried after the end of World War II]. Several Levebvrian bishops, from the catholic wing to which you belong, have been holocaust deniers. Do you also follow them in that matter? I mean, Do you also believe that the Jewish holocaust by Hitlet’s government was an exaggeration?”Alejandro Ordoñez:
Well, it’s a pleasure, Nestor. I thank you for the interview. I was called to talk, and you know this, about issues related to the legal framework for peace and issues related to my professional conduct. I thank you very much for the interview.
The refusal to respond caused unease among Jews in Colombia, who demanded the top official to clarify his position on the matter considered a historic trauma for Jews worldwide.
Following a meeting with Ordoñez, representatives of the Jewish community said the inspector general “categorically and strongly affirmed that he is or has been a Holocaust denier.”
The Jews said to be “very satisfied” with the meeting, adding that “we consider this controversy over.”
Ordoñez is a staunch Roman Catholic who has previously clashed with women and gay rights activist over his conservative views on birth control and gay rights.
Sources
- Procurador dice que no niega el Holocausto judío (El Espectador)
- La pregunta de Hector Abad que incomodó al Procurador Alejandro Ordoñez (Blue Radio)
- Who are the Lefebvrians? Rome Reports
