Spain: In the Dock

The plotters face justice

Gold carpeting was hastily installed in the courtroom, and high-backed red velvet chairs were provided for the defendants, lawyers and judges. It was a suit able setting for a momentous trial. In the dock were 32 top-ranking officers and one civilian accused of trying to overthrow the Spanish government by forcibly taking over the Cortes (parliament). In a sense, the entire military is on trial — and so is Spain's fledgling democracy.

The best known of the golpistas (coup makers) is Guardia Civil Lieut. Colonel Antonio Tejero Molina, 50,...

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