Austrian leaders join thousands commemorating liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Austrian political leaders and foreign dignitaries have joined thousands of people commemorating the liberation of the Mauthausen concentration camp.
President Heinz Fischer and Chancellor Werner Faymann were among those attending Sunday's ceremonies. The annual event has particular significance this year as the world marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Hundreds of thousands of people died at the western Austrian camp and its subsidiaries. Many were worked to death. Others were shot, gassed, or died through medical experiments.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The camp was liberated on May 5, 1945 by American troops. Its inmates were the last of all concentration camp prisoners to be set free by the Allies.