Treason Trial (1956–1961)

1. Freedom Charter adopted at Congress of the People

   Jun 26, 1955Labels: Freedom Charter, Congress Alliance

   • 1956 Trial
   • SAHO

2. Security police arrest 156 anti-apartheid leaders

   Dec 5, 1956Labels: Security Branch, ANC

   • SAHO
   • 1956 SA

3. First court hearing at Johannesburg Drill Hall

   Dec 19, 1956Labels: Johannesburg Drill

   • 1956 SA
   • 1956 Trial

4. State expands case to the full 156 accused

   Jan 9, 1957Labels: Prosecutors, Congress Alliance

   • 1956 Trial
   • SAHO

5. Attorney General drops charges against 61 accused

   Dec 17, 1957Labels: Attorney General

   • 1956 Trial
   • Luthuli

6. Magistrate commits remaining accused to stand trial

   Jan 30, 1958Labels: Magistrate

   • 1956 Trial
   • NLA

7. Main treason trial opens in Pretoria

   Aug 1, 1958Labels: Pretoria Trial, Supreme Court

   • 1956 Trial
   • Aug 1958

8. Indictment narrowed to 30 “core” accused

   Nov 22, 1958Labels: Indictment, Congress of

   • 1956 Trial
   • DSAE

9. Court effectively ends case for remaining 61

   Apr 20, 1959Labels: Court Ruling

   • 1956 Trial
   • NLA

10. Sharpeville massacre triggers a national emergency

    Mar 21, 1960Labels: Sharpeville Massacre

    • Britannica
    • 1956 Trial

11. Government bans ANC and continues treason proceedings

    Apr 8, 1960Labels: Government Ban, ANC

    • 1956 Trial
    • Britannica

12. Court acquits remaining defendants in final verdict

    Mar 29, 1961Labels: Special High, Acquittal

    • R v Adams
    • 1956 Trial