Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment on this day in 1964

Francis Akhalbey June 12, 2019
Photo Credit: Peter Magubane

On this day in 1964, anti-apartheid activist and former South African president Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of sabotaging and planning a violent revolution against the apartheid government in the famous Rivonia Trial.

On July 11, 1963, the police raided Liliesleaf Farm in Rivonia, Johannesburg which was the hideout of some key African National Congress members taking with them supposed evidence of plans by Mandela and others to sabotage and lead a violent revolution against the apartheid government. Keep in mind that Mandela was already serving a five-year jail term on charges of leaving South Africa without permission and also instigating workers to go on strike.

Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment on this day in 1964

Liliesleaf Farm

Though the Rivonia Trial, which took place between October 9, 1963, and June 12, 1964, was strongly condemned by recognized international organizations including the United Nations and the World Peace Council, it still proceeded and eventually found Mandela together with the other accused guilty. Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment on this day in 1964

The Palace of Justice, Pretoria: Where Mandela and the other accused were tried

Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment alongside seven others. The prosecution pushed for a death sentence but the presiding judge opted for life imprisonment. Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment on this day in 1964

Below are some photos of the trial:

Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment on this day in 1964

Photo Credit: Alf Kumalo

Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment on this day in 1964

Winnie Mandela outside the court — Photo Credit: Pretoria News Library

Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment on this day in 1964

Winnie Mandela outside the court — Photo Credit: Pretoria News Library

Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment on this day in 1964

Protestors outside the court — Photo Credit: Pretoria News Library

Last Edited by:Victor Ativie Updated: June 29, 2020

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