The Show Trials

• The Trial of the Sixteen (1936)


  The stars of the first show trial were Zinoviev and Kamenev.

  They were charged with organising Kirov's murder, as well as with plotting to overthrow the government and disrupt the 5 year plans.

  Both were 'innocent' although pleaded guilty in trial, while in prison.

  Both Kamenev and Zinoviev were ordered to be shot by Audrey Vyshinsky.

  Kamenev met his death with dignity, Zinoviev took his in despair and panic, begging for his life.

  Stalin got his secretary chief to re-enact this for his entertainment.
• The Trial of the Seventeen (1937)


  Second trial focussed on Trotsky's former allies.

  Charges again included plotting to kill Kirov, overthrow the government and disrupt 5 year plans and also remaining in contact with Trotsky.

  All pleaded guilty.

  Thirteen were executed and four were sent to the Gulags where they soon died.
• The Trial of the Twenty-one (1938)In the final show trial, Bukharin took centre stage.He was charged with attempting to overthrow the government, murder of Kirov and attempting to assassinate Lenin. During the trial, Bukharin did highlight the ludicrous nature of these charges.He was sentenced to death and Vyshinsky accused him of being a 'foul smelling heap of human garbage'.According to eye witness reports, Bukharin died cursing Stalin.