On Friday, September 22, a 98-year-old Ukrainian veteran received warm applause from MPs and visitors who attended President Volodymyr Zelensky’s speech. However, a little later a Jewish organization discovered that Jaroslaw Hunka had actually fought in a Nazi division. This incident in the Canadian Parliament brought the country’s political institution into disrepute.
Published on: 09/27/2023 – 07:04
2 minutes
When the Speaker of the House of Commons in the Canadian Parliament, on his own initiative, paid tribute to a Ukrainian fighter of the first hour against the Soviets, a citizen of his constituency, on the occasion of the visit of Volodymyr Zelenskyy – of Jewish denomination – he knew nothing about his Nazi past. Jaroslaw Hunka, a 98-year-old Ukrainian veteran, is accused of fighting in the SS.
Canadian House of Commons Speaker Anthony Rota apologized Sunday for recognizing a man who fought for a Nazi military unit during World War II. Canadian lawmakers gave 98-year-old Jaroslaw Hunka a standing ovation when Rota drew attention to him. pic.twitter.com/kVR64bjJVH
— The Associated Press (@AP) September 25, 2023
Two opposition parties initially called for the president’s resignation, reports Anthony Rota to our correspondent in Quebec. Pascale Guericolas. Just like the Foreign Minister a little later. Mélanie Joly believes that this incident has embarrassed all Canadians. Anthony Rota therefore no longer had the opportunity to resign from his positions, which was a first for the President of the Legislative Assembly in Canada.
“It is with a heavy heart that I rise to inform members of my resignation as Speaker of the House of Commons,” Anthony Rota told parliament, speaking of “his deep regret at his mistake.” A tribute that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said was “unacceptable” and “deeply embarrassing.”
Opposition parties demand an apology from the Prime Minister
However, some opposition parties want to go further. They are demanding an apology from the Prime Minister. An apology addressed to Jewish communities, allied countries and not forgetting President Zelensky, whose visit was marred by this heartbreaking incident.
On Tuesday, September 26, the Polish Minister of Education announced that he had requested an investigation to verify that this Ukrainian veteran who fought for the Nazis had not committed any crimes in Poland, with a view to his possible extradition , but the Ministry of Justice has not yet received such a request.
(And with AFP)