January 19, 1960
HAVANA, Jan.18 (AP)—Trial of 140 Cubans charged with plotting to overthrow Premier Fidel Castro continues tonight after opening in an almost holiday atmosphere.
Cheers—instead of the usual sideline calls for the executioner—greeted the defendants Saturday night as the biggest conspiracy trial of the year-old Castro regime began. The first 19 defendants to testify pleaded innocent.
The civilian prosecutor sprung a surprise at the outset, announcing he would not demand death sentences. But the defendants faced sentences up to 30 years if convicted.
An American is expected to be the star prosecution witness. Maj. William Morgan who left Toledo to follow Mr. Castro, is credited with uncovering the plot I the role of a counter-spy.
The five-man military court is sitting in the 1,300-seat theater of La Cabana fortress.
The defendants are among 400 persons rounded up last August after Mr. Castro announced the crushing of an attempted revolt.