Munich

Holger Gerlach, accused of collaborating in the neo-Nazi "National Socialist Underground" murders, apologized to the families of the victims twice for being an instrument in racist murders at the court hearing in Munich.

Gerlach, who was released by the court pending a trial, admitted his friendship with the three leading suspects of the neo-Nazi NSU organization and providing arms, passports, ID cards, drivers license to the suspects and health insurance for the treatment of Beate Zschaepe. 

Reading a long statement at the court hearing, Gerlach became emotional at times and apologized twice to the families of the victims.

Families of the Turkish victims weren't convinced by the statement of Gerlach and the apology was not accepted. 

Ismail Yozgat, whose son Halit Yozgat was killed in the German province of Kassel, stated that confessions of Gelrach were important however, they didn't accept the apology.

"Kill our fathers and children and then apologize. We can't accept this. We hope the court will give an appropriate verdict," Yozgat said.

Dilek Ozcan, daughter of Ismail Yasar who was killed in Nuremberg in 2005, also didn't believe the apology was sincere. 

10 people including 8 Turks were murdered between 2000-2007 by the neo-Nazi "National Socialist Underground" and the suspects are standing trial at Munich court.

englishnews@aa.com.tr