Main suspect in German neo-Nazi murder trial to testify

BERLIN: A German woman accused of involvement in 10 neo-Nazi murders is expected to testify for the first time Wednesday, ending more than four years of silence.

Beate Zschaepe’s statement, which will be read by her lawyer, comes as the high-profile trial approaches its 250th day.

Victims’ relatives are hoping to learn why the National Socialist Underground, of which Zschaepe was allegedly a core member, killed eight Turkish men, a Greek and a policewoman between 2000 and 2007. The group’s two other main members died in an apparent murder-suicide in November 2011.

Zschaepe’s attorney, Mathias Grasel, says the statement will address what his client knew about the group’s actions, and what exactly her role in them was.

He has asked the court to allow Zschaepe’s lawyers to answer judges’ questions.