Trotskyites to Die

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 26, 1 February 1937, Page 7

Trotskyites to Die

Sobbed Confessions Made to Court

END OF MOSCOW TRIAL United Press Association—Ey Electric Telegraph-—Gnnvrlirht. MOSCOW* Jan. Id. For the first time since the trial opened the courtroom was jammed to hear the accused make their last speclies, which seemed like funeral orations. The speed with which the closing stages of the trial were rushed through indicate an early verdict. Piatalcov declared: "The prosecution has correctly stated all the facts but 1 am no longer a Trotskyist. I wish Trotsky were here to share our fate." Radck, whose earlier assurance had deserted him, insisted that he was a political criminal and vehemently pro* tested at being tried with ordinary bandits and wreckers.

Sokolnikov pleaded that he was the first fully to confess, leading to the unearthing of the conspiracy. He added in a sobbing voice: "After this exposure I trust that none will ever work under Trotsky’s banner. Trotskyism is already crushed. I hope that the Court will consider the extenuating circumstances though I deserve nothing but the death penalty." Radck emphasised that ho stood by the beliefs which had led him to the dock. He joined Trotsky because it was impossible to build up Socialism in oue country alone and realised too late that Trotsky would involve a foreign Power. He believed it was impossible to seize the Government of Russia without tjhe aid of Herr Hitler. Rotlek then implicated Bukharin, who, he said, did not know everything. He indicated that over a hundred were involved in the direction of the conspiracy. Radek said: "I was tortured by Department of Internal investigators for ten weeks before I confessed and did not confess until the confessions of all the others were shown me.” Radek concluded with a warning to Trotskyites in Russia, Franco and Spain, adding that anyone who disagree with the party might be accused next moment as a spy. i THIRTEEN TO DIE RADEK AND OTHERS TO GO TO PRISON MOSCOW, Jan. 30. The sentences are: Radek, Sokolnikov and Arnold, ten years’ imprisonment; Stroiloff eight years. The remaining 13 aro sentenced to death by shooting. Received Sunday, 9.50 p.m. MOSCOW, Jan. 31. Radek, Sokolnikov, Arnold and Stroiloff were not sentenced to death owing to extenuating circumstances, namely, although they were guilty on all counts they did not participate in actual terrorism or wrecking activities. Those sentenced to death have the right to appeal to tho Soviet Central Committee which must announce its decision within 72 hours. The accused, who were pale and nervous, "were brought back to tho Court at 2 a.m. to hear the verdict. They gazed forlornly at the 400 spectators crowding tho silent "Hall of Death" which was stuffy and oppressive despite the bitterly cold night outside. A military official with a parade-like voice called all present to attention as the Judges returned. Judgo Ulrich mounted the rostrum with a quick and determined gait carrying the paper on which the verdicts and sentences were written and began reading rapidly and monotonously. He rattled off the names of those sentenced to death swiftly. While the prisoners’ eyes were fixed in his face tho audience tensely awaited Radek’s sentence, the clemency of which caused surprise as he had been the most defiant of all.

Judge Ulrich cut short the applause when he finished tho sentences, declaring abruptly that the Court was dismissed and he then departed. The guards with fixed bayonets marched the prisoners out.