The show trials: 1936-38

Between 1936 and 1938, Stalin staged three show trials - high profile trials in which the guilt of the accused was asummed. They were used to influence public opinion and to show that enemies of the people still existed and were a threat to Stalin and the Soviet state

Trial of the Sixteen (August 1936)

• Kamenev, Zinoviev and 14 others were put on trial
• They were accused of alliance with Trotsky, stirring up discontent and plotting to kill Stalin
• No material evidence was presented and the defendants all confessed their guilt
• All defendants were sentenced to death and…