Trial Time Line
December 1956: 156 anti-apartheid leaders arrested
December 1956 - January 1958: Preparatory examination in a magistrates court to determine if there was sufficient evidence to warrant a trial.
November 1957: Prosecution rewords the indictment and proceeded a separate trial against 30 accused. The remaining 61 accused were to be tried separately before the case against them was dismissed in mid 1959.
August 1959: Trial against 30 defendants proceeds in the Supreme Court.
March 5, 1960: Chief Luthuli's testimony begins.
April 8, 1960: ANC is declared banned in the wake of the State of Emergence declared after the Sharpeville massacre. Defendants retained in custody for five months and trial resumes without lawyers for several months.
May 1960: Helen Joseph and 21 left-wing white women detained during the State of Emergence embark on an eight day hunger strike. The children of detainees protest outside Johannesburg city hall.
August 3, 1960: Mandela's testimony begins.
October 7, 1960: Defense closes.
March 23, 1961: Trial adjourned for a week.
March 29, 1961: Accused are found not guilty.
Read more about this topic: Treason Trial
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