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89-Year-Old Nazi War Crimes Suspect Gets Bail In Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A judge in Philadelphia has granted bail to an 89-year-old Nazi war crimes suspect who's been hospitalized while awaiting extradition to Germany.

The ruling Monday reverses a decision that denied bail to Johann Breyer of Philadelphia.

Breyer can now await the outcome of his extradition fight at home on $100,000 personal recognizance bail.

But it's not clear how long he'll be hospitalized. Defense lawyers say his health was deteriorating in jail after his arrest last month.

Breyer has lived in Philadelphia since 1952. He admits serving as an Auschwitz guard in 1944 but denies killing anyone.

German authorities hope to try him on charges of aiding in the deaths of more than 200,000 Jews killed at the death camp.

Breyer's lawyers didn't immediately return messages Tuesday seeking comment.

(© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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