Treason Trial 1956-61

• 156 arrested following freedom charter (105 black Africans, 25 whites, 21 Indians, 7 coloureds), some not present at Kliptown on its congress day; accused of treason, communism support, and communist organisation membership
• Benefit: badly organised and dragged on for years - government incapable to prove guilt, leading to acquittals, it increased publicity for Freedom Charter and allowed leaders to plan future protests and opposition together in jail
• Harm: Many key leaders were prevented from participating in political activity for 5 long years