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Mandela reunited with co-accused | |
(20 minutes later) | |
South African ex-President Nelson Mandela is to meet a group of people who were on trial with him during apartheid, in a historic reunion. | |
The event is part of the celebrations for Mr Mandela's 90th birthday later this year. | The event is part of the celebrations for Mr Mandela's 90th birthday later this year. |
Mr Mandela was tried on three occasions during the struggle against apartheid in the 1950s and 1960s. | |
The cases included the famous Rivonia Trial, at which he was sentenced to life imprisonment. | |
The trials were landmark events in the campaign to end white domination and Nelson Mandela was always the key figure. | |
Good health | Good health |
In 1956, he and more than 150 other anti-apartheid activists were tried for treason. After four long years, they were all acquitted. | In 1956, he and more than 150 other anti-apartheid activists were tried for treason. After four long years, they were all acquitted. |
But in 1964, Mr Mandela was back on trial, among a group who were given life sentences. | But in 1964, Mr Mandela was back on trial, among a group who were given life sentences. |
On Friday, about 25 surviving defendants will be reunited with Mr Mandela, and spend two hours in discussion with him. | On Friday, about 25 surviving defendants will be reunited with Mr Mandela, and spend two hours in discussion with him. |
They include Ahmed Kathrada, who was a close colleague of Mr Mandela's during the years in prison on Robben Island. | They include Ahmed Kathrada, who was a close colleague of Mr Mandela's during the years in prison on Robben Island. |
But many famous figures from the past - including Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu and Joe Slovo - have died since Nelson Mandela was released from prison in 1990. | But many famous figures from the past - including Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu and Joe Slovo - have died since Nelson Mandela was released from prison in 1990. |
With his 90th birthday just four months away, Mr Mandela appears to be in good health, although his public appearances have been significantly reduced, and he looks increasingly frail. | With his 90th birthday just four months away, Mr Mandela appears to be in good health, although his public appearances have been significantly reduced, and he looks increasingly frail. |