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September 27, 2023

Canada's House Speaker Steps Down After Leading Applause for Former Nazi Soldier
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Canadian lawmaker Anthony Rota resigned as speaker of the House of
Commons Tuesday, days after he led a standing ovation in Parliament for
a Canadian Ukrainian veteran who fought in a Nazi SS unit during World
War II. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ukrainian President Volodymyr
Zelensky joined in on applauding 98-year-old Yaroslav Hunka. This is
Anthony Rota speaking Tuesday.

Speaker Anthony Rota: "I reiterate my profound regret for my error in
recognizing an individual in the House during the joint address to
Parliament of President Zelensky. That public recognition has caused
pain to individuals and communities, including the Jewish community in
Canada and around the world, in addition to survivors of Nazi atrocities
in Poland, among other nations. I accept full responsibility for my
actions."

Meanwhile, Poland's education minister said he is taking steps to
investigate whether Hunka was involved in crimes against Poles during
the war, and to possibly extradite him to stand trial in Poland.