It was expected and some could even have been given the death penalty, but as the case had received such wide international publicity the authorities did not dare to give capital sentences. The trial was orchestrated. |
Nobody knew about his whereabouts, including his lawyers, as no one had access to him. |
The 15 defendants did not have independent lawyers, they had state-appointed lawyers, who [reportedly] acted like prosecutors. |
The authorities are doing that to prevent people, including relatives, journalists and rights activists, from observing this trial. |