THIRTEEN DEATH SENTENCES

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 348, 1 February 1937, Page 5

THIRTEEN DEATH SENTENCES

MOSCOW TRIAL. HALL OF DEATH. Radek Sentenced To Ten Years’ Imprisonment. Press Association—-Copyright. Moscow, January 30. The sentences in the trial of the 16 mpn who were charged with plotting against the Soviet are: Radek, Sokolnikov and Arnold, ten years’ imprisonent. Stroiloff, eight years’ imprisonment. The remaining 13 were sentenced to death by shooting. All the prisoners sought clemency except Piattkov, Shestov and Radek. Differing from the earlier reports, which stated that Radek declared he had been tortured, later versions indicate that Radek actually stated he had tortured his inquisitors for ten weeks by refusing to answer them. Radek asked for nothing more merciful than death. Sokolnikov, Arnold and Stroiloff were not sentenced to death owing to extenuating circumstances. Although they were found guilty on all counts they did uot participate in actual terrorism or wrecking activities.

Hall of Death. Those sentenced to death have the right to appeal to the Soviet Central Committee, which must announce its decision within 72 hours. The accused men, who were pale and nervous, were brought back to the court at 2 a.m. to hear the verdict. They gazed forlornly at the 400 spectators crowding the silent “hall of death,” which was stuffy and oppressive despite the bitterly cold night outside. A military official with a paradelike voice called all present to attention as the judges returned. Judge Ulrich mounted the rostrum with quick, determined gait, carrying a paper on which the Verdicts and sentences were written and began reading rapidly. He monotonously rattled off the names of those sentenced to death as swiftly as the remainder, while the prisoners’ eyes were fixed on his face. The 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 the sentences, declaring abruptly that the court was dismissed, and then he departed. Guards with fixed bayonets marched the prisoners out. Appeals Of Condemned Been Rejected. Press Association —Copyright. (Received 1 p.m.) Moscow, January 31. : The Soviet Central Executive has I rejected the appeals of the thirteen : conspirators who were condemned to i death in the recent trial.