Glossary-Detail

Under the Nazi regime, the Gestapo and the criminal police could arrest people without trial or charge and place them in “protective custody”. Detentions were not supported by any evidence and could be extended indefinitely. The victims were mostly political opponents or other "undesirable elements". Most were interned in concentration camps or prisons, where they were badly mistreated and tortured. Many died of starvation, disease or violence.