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Klaus Barbie

What is klaus barbie?

· Sarah Mitchell

Key facts

Born October 25, 1913[2]
Birth place Bad Godesberg, near Bonn, Germany[1]
Role Head of the Gestapo in Lyon[2]
Nickname Butcher of Lyon[1]
Died September 25, 1991[2]
Conviction Crimes against humanity[2]

Klaus Barbie was a German Nazi SS and Gestapo officer who served as head of the Gestapo in Lyon during World War II and became known as the “Butcher of Lyon.” He was later tried in France for crimes against humanity, convicted, and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Context

Klaus Barbie, born Nikolaus Barbie, was a German Nazi SS and Gestapo officer who served as head of the Gestapo in Lyon during World War II and became known as the “Butcher of Lyon.” He was later tried in France for crimes against humanity, convicted, and sentenced to life imprisonment. Barbie was responsible for over 4,000 deaths and 7,500 deportations. After the war, he fled to South America and lived in Bolivia under the name Klaus Altmann. He died in custody on September 25, 1991. [1]

Documented claims

  • Klaus Barbie was responsible for over 4,000 deaths and 7,500 deportations. [1]
  • He was sentenced to life imprisonment and died in custody. [2]
  • After the war, he fled to South America and lived in Bolivia under the name Klaus Altmann. [3]

Questions and answers

What was Klaus Barbie's nickname?

He was known as the “Butcher of Lyon” [1].

What was Klaus Barbie's role during World War II?

He was head of the Gestapo in Lyon [2].

What was Klaus Barbie's sentence?

He was sentenced to life imprisonment for crimes against humanity [2].

Sources

  1. Klaus Barbie and the United States Government — justice.gov (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Analysis of the IRR File of Klaus Barbie - National Archives — archives.gov (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. Klaus Barbie | History | Research Starters — ebsco.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in People