Political trials

The trial of political offenders is generally by one of two forms: either secret trial or show trial (to gain the maximum benefit from propaganda). In either case the trial may be staged, with evidence weighted heavily in favour of the prosecution. The evidence may be forced or may be based on false confessions following torture; and judges and jurists may be biased. Show trials are used as a means of indoctrination, propaganda or intimidation and as a justification for the government, and secret trials are a means of tightening government control. Either may be the vehicle for personal vengeance and power struggles.