NATION : S. Africa Frees 5 Black Activists
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JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — The nation’s high court today overturned convictions imposed in a controversial treason trial and set free five black activists, three of them senior anti-apartheid leaders jailed since 1985.
“It’s fantastic, because now justice has been vindicated,” said Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu, when he and other supporters were told that the five men were being flown from their island prison in Cape Town to Johannesburg.
The three leaders of the United Democratic Front and one of their co-defendants, a church worker, were convicted of treason in November, 1988, after a three-year trial. Their sentences ranged from six to 12 years.
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