The "Nazi King of Belarus" refers to Wilhelm von Amsberg, a Nazi collaborator who was known for his ruthless actions in occupied Belarus during World War II. He earned this notorious title due to his role as a key figure in overseeing the German occupation of Belarus, where he actively participated in the implementation of brutal policies aimed at terrorizing the local population. His name is particularly infamous for the chilling actions he took, one of the most horrific of which involved throwing candy at screaming children before executing them.
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Von Amsberg's role in Belarus involved enforcing Nazi occupation policies, including the mass murder of Jews, Roma, and Soviet partisans. In particular, he was involved in rounding up civilians, deporting them to forced labor camps, or executing them in mass killings. One of the most disturbing stories that emerged from the region was his habit of throwing candy at children who were caught during raids and then ordering their execution.
The children, many of whom were already terrified, were lured by the candy and, in some cases, even managed to pick it up. However, this brief moment of false hope ended tragically. The victims were then buried alive in mass graves, a horrifying practice that became synonymous with the brutality of the German occupation. These executions, along with others under von Amsberg’s command, contributed to the immense suffering and death toll in Belarus during the war.
After the war, von Amsberg was captured by Soviet forces and put on trial for his war crimes. He was found guilty of committing atrocities and was executed by firing squad. His death, although it could never undo the horrific acts he had carried out, served as a form of justice for the countless victims who had suffered under his rule. His legacy remains one of extreme cruelty, exemplifying the depths of depravity that can result from Nazi ideology.