The Trials: An Absent Defendant?

One of the greatest concerns in the proceedings of the trial was that Martin Bormann had yet to be found. Many believed Russians had Bormann (1), or that he had killed himself following Hitler's example. The Nuremberg Trials were postponed many times before Bormann's trial was set for November 20, 1945 (2), and he was charged with Crimes Against Humanity, Crimes Against Peace, and War Crimes. For specifics on what he was charged with, please see the Bormann Criminal Charges subpage. Due to his absence, a public notice was given to Bormann of his trial starting October 22, 1945. If he did not show up, he would be tried in absentia without the ability to defend himself. If he was found guilty, he would be sentenced to execution upon discovery. Announcement of his summons was given every week for four weeks over the radio and published in four different newspapers in his hometown (3). He was still missing as of November 8, 1945, and the tribunal considered dropping his indictment (4). However, the procedure was set forth in the Nuremberg Trial Proceedings before the trials began so that the Tribunal could account for those defendants that could not or would not be found- and there was not to be an exception created just for Bormann. To quote, Nuremburg Trial Proceedings Vol. 1 “(b) Any individual defendant not in custody shall be informed of the indictment against him and of his right to receive the documents specified in sub-paragraph (a) above, by notice in such form and manner as the Tribunal may prescribe” (5). This means they had every right and reason to try Bormann despite his absence, and didn’t go against any previously layed out laws. The trial went on as planned and Bormann was convicted.