ADDRESS TO COURT

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 346, 29 January 1937, Page 5

ADDRESS TO COURT

MOSCOW TRIAL. VISHINSKY’S SPEECH Trotsky’s Followers A Gang Of Highwaymen. , Press Association —Copyright. Received 1 p.m. Moscow, January 28. Applause greeted Vishinsky when, at the conclusion of a five hours* address, he demanded that all the accused be shot. The prisoners heard his demand without emotion. Vishinsky, who described Trotsky's followers as a gang of highwaymen, concentrated his attack on Piatakov, Sokolnikov and Radek, whom he described as a “gang of bandits, incendiaries, spies and gorgers.” He declared that the entire history of Trotskyist political activity consisted of foul deeds against the working class. Vishinsky taunted Radek as he quoted from a letter written by Radek during the Kamenev and Zinoviev trial. “Radek, you exclaimed that people who betrayed their country must pay with their heads. Do you remember that, Radek? You are right. Soviet law knows how to deal with trhitors like you." It is officially announced that Trotsky’s son is to be accused of industrial wrecking, wh,ich is a capital offence, but officials are still unwilling to confirm his arrest.