Jaruzelski trial cast into doubt following resignation of defense lawyers

The trial of Poland's last communist-era leader, Wojciech Jaruzelski, over the deaths of protesting workers in December 1970, was thrown into doubt on Thursday, after the general's defense lawyers quit. The resignation followed the judge's decision to reject procedural objections and rule that the trial should go ahead. The lawyers argued that the trial was likely to take years, and that in view of their age they could not expect to complete the general's defense. Jaruzelski denied that his legal team had quit in order to delay proceedings, insisting that he wanted to clear his name. The judge ruled that the lawyers must continue to act for General Jaruzelski until a new defense team could be appointed, but it was unclear for how long they would do so. (Gazeta Wyborcza, p 1/6; Reuters) A.D.