Really, Germany?

[Ivan Denisovich]

It was proven that people will respond to authority in disturbing ways.

Yes, but it does not lessen guilt of perpetrators.

What happened with Nazi Germany isn't necessarily the German people's fault, at least not entirely and certainly not the contemporary Germans' fault.

Obviously it isn't fault of people born long after. But if not Germans (and other nations too) then who is responsible for Shoah? History itself? Spirit of the times?

Not all Germans were guilty of killing or being accessory to it, yes. But indifference which was more widespread than hate also don't absolve of guilt. Here I'm in agreement with Ian Kershaw and his words: The road to Auschwitz was built by hate, but paved with indifference.

Not sure what to say about these trials in particular, I'd have to know about law more. I'll ask my brother about them, I guess.

It's more about justice and accountability than law itself I would say. I kinda think that man in question should be persecuted, but if he really has dementia then there is no point in doing this I would say.