Forty-four years ago, Klaus Barbie was a Nazi chief in the French city of Lyon. Next week he goes on trial there for crimes against humanity. Between these dates, Barbie has led an astonishing life.
Protected by US Intelligence after the war and spirited by them to South America, he has in turn been arms dealer, drugs smuggler and security adviser until his capture four years ago. The prosecution will accuse him of atrocities against the Jews and the French Resistance. His defence will raise painful, embarrassing ghosts from the German Occupation.
Tom Bower speaks to his accusers and defenders, including his daughter, and examines the impact on France of probably her last - and most controversial - trial of a war criminal.