Statue of controversial author unveiled in E Hungary

Archív / 2008. június 29.

Wass, an ethnic Hungarian and count in Transylvania, N Romania was sentenced to death in absentia for war crimes including involvement with the murder of several peasant and Jewish families. Although the Wiesenthal Centre supported the claims, Wass's adopted homeland, the United States, refused to extradite him, citing lack of evidence. The charges against him are still disputed. His son, Huba, a retired brigadier general in the United States army, called the issue a political one that sooner or later would be clarified in favour of his father.

Deputy Speak of Parliament Janos Ader (conservative-Fidesz) called Wass one of the most widely read Hungarian authors. His books have taken on a life of their own, he said, with an unquenchable force d'vivre. He speaks of our lives, our tears, joys, acts of treachery, and acts of heroism, Ader said.