Ep 7. Paul Touvier

As a former member of the French militia, Paul Touvier was one of the most notorious Nazi collaborators during World War II. Despite being found guilty of war crimes and sentenced to execution in absentia in 1946, Touvier managed to evade capture for several decades. In Nazi Fugitives season 1 episode 7, viewers are taken on a journey through Touvier's life and the efforts to track him down.

The episode starts with a brief introduction to Touvier's background, including his involvement in the French fascist organization Cagoule and his eventual allegiance to the German occupation forces during WWII. We learn about his role in the execution of seven Jewish hostages in June 1944 and the subsequent trial in which he was sentenced to death. From there, the episode delves into the many attempts to capture him, including a prison escape in 1947 and a close call with a police raid in 1951.

As the years passed, Touvier remained on the run, relying on a network of sympathizers and supporters to provide him with hiding places and forged documents. The episode explores the tactics used by both authorities and independent investigators in their efforts to find him, highlighting the challenges of pursuing fugitives across national borders and navigating complex political landscapes.

One of the most interesting aspects of the episode is the focus on Touvier's personal life during his years on the run. We learn about the various aliases he used and the conspiracy theories surrounding his whereabouts. We also hear from people who knew him during this time, shedding light on his personality and motivations. Through their testimony, we see a complex portrait of a man who was both a ruthless war criminal and a flawed human being with his own fears and desires.

The episode also examines the shifting political climate in France during the 1970s, when many former collaborators were granted amnesty in the name of national unity. In this context, Touvier's continued evasion of justice seemed all the more egregious to many people. The episode includes interviews with survivors of the atrocities he committed, as well as legal experts and historians offering analysis of the case.

Finally, we see the dramatic events that led to Touvier's eventual arrest in 1989. After years of hiding in plain sight, he was tracked down by a determined investigator and brought to trial for his crimes. The episode depicts the emotional impact of the trial on both survivors and relatives of victims, as well as the broader public's reaction to the verdict.

Overall, Nazi Fugitives season 1 episode 7 provides a gripping account of one of the most notorious Nazi collaborators and fugitives of the post-war era. By weaving together historical context, personal testimony, and investigative analysis, the episode gives viewers a nuanced understanding of Touvier's life, crimes, and eventual capture.