NationStates Jolt Archive

The World Soviet Party

The room was packed, a cacophony of reporters mumbling into their microphones and cameras snapping rapidly. The Right Honourable Andrew Swan, lead Eurasian judge in the panel of eight, sat at the fore of the marble, Soviet courtroom, next to his colleague, the Right Honourable Robert Hamilton.

"Shall we begin?" whispered Swan to the other judges.

"Go ahead," was the general consensus.

"I hereby call this court to session!" Swan declared, slamming his gavel down on the wooden desk. "We will first hear the opening statement of the prosecution. You may proceed at your leisure."

IC:
The Shazbotdom News Network reporter turned on the video camera placed in the specialised headpiece. It was small enough that it couldn't be seen and was wired directly to the truck outside the building, being recorded for later use. It would be used as a video archive for the Dark Empire of Shazbotdom and for the news every night.

Commander Jessica Ball sat in a chair next to Swan waiting, looking over her articles and waiting for the Prosecutioner to begin.

(Unglorified TAG)

((OOC: I'll send a judge, but I don't feel like posting atm. So TAGGED.))

The gunners were sitting on the defense's bench, all in complete gala uniform, waiting for the prosecutor to start.

OOC: So, who is the prosecutor?

Sir Charles Doyle, chief barrister for the Eurasian prosecution, rose from his seat, clearing his throat quietly.

"If I may begin, Your Honours," he said quietly. The judges motioned for him to start.

"On 1 March 2009, at approximately 2200 hours, the nations of Eurasia, Aequatio, Illior, Cravan, The Silver Sky, and others in part of a Global Alliance of Sovereign Nations coalition, launched an assault on the city of Worchester, located within the rogue province of Worchester. At the same time, the World Soviet Party was working with the Eurasian Ministry for Defence to coordinate the assault with the GASN," Sir Charles orated. "Hundreds of artillery pieces were aimed at the city, whilst aircraft circled above and ground troops prepared to seize the city. Sir Phillip Sinclair, the Eurasian prime minister, had entrusted Minister for Defence Elliot Crompton to direct the Soviet attack. Minister Crompton, did in fact order an attack, but under the expectation that it would be surgical. The artillery commander on trial today is the one who ordered the attack. Fifty thousand innocent Eurasians lie dead along with the rebel forces. Three hundred thousand innocents have lost their homes, their livelihoods - they are refugees in their own land. Thousands more are critically injured in a powerless city experiencing shortages of food, running water, and electricity due to the Soviet attacks. Hospitals were pummeled, ambulances and emergency crews battered, civilian air raid shelters smashed into oblivion. Clearly, this fits within the definitions of the two crimes these gunners are charged with: unlawful wanton destruction or appropriation of property as well as directing attacks against civilians. I plead that this court not let those thousands be forgotten. I ask, on the behalf of the Eurasian people, that those responsible for these heinous, abhorrent, execrable violations of human rights be punished to the fullest extent of the law."

As Sir Charles sat down, the judges called for the defence's opening statement.

The gunners were sitting on the defense's bench, all in complete gala uniform, waiting for the prosecutor to start.

OOC: So, who is the prosecutor?

OOC: Just posted the prosecution.

EDIT: The commander of the unit is also on trial.

A Czechalrussian deligate sits in the Audience waiting to hear the results of the trial.

Sir Charles Doyle, chief barrister for the Eurasian prosecution, rose from his seat, clearing his throat quietly.

"If I may begin, Your Honours," he said quietly. The judges motioned for him to start.

"On 1 March 2009, at approximately 2200 hours, the nations of Eurasia, Aequatio, Illior, Cravan, The Silver Sky, and others in part of a Global Alliance of Sovereign Nations coalition, launched an assault on the city of Worchester, located within the rogue province of Worchester. At the same time, the World Soviet Party was working with the Eurasian Ministry for Defence to coordinate the assault with the GASN," Sir Charles orated. "Hundreds of artillery pieces were aimed at the city, whilst aircraft circled above and ground troops prepared to seize the city. Sir Phillip Sinclair, the Eurasian prime minister, had entrusted Minister for Defence Elliot Crompton to direct the Soviet attack. Minister Crompton, did in fact order an attack, but under the expectation that it would be surgical. The artillery commander on trial today is the one who ordered the attack. Fifty thousand innocent Eurasians lie dead along with the rebel forces. Three hundred thousand innocents have lost their homes, their livelihoods - they are refugees in their own land. Thousands more are critically injured in a powerless city experiencing shortages of food, running water, and electricity due to the Soviet attacks. Hospitals were pummeled, ambulances and emergency crews battered, civilian air raid shelters smashed into oblivion. Clearly, this fits within the definitions of the two crimes these gunners are charged with: unlawful wanton destruction or appropriation of property as well as directing attacks against civilians. I plead that this court not let those thousands be forgotten. I ask, on the behalf of the Eurasian people, that those responsible for these heinous, abhorrent, execrable violations of human rights be punished to the fullest extent of the law."

As Sir Charles sat down, the judges called for the defence's opening statement.

OOC: The General has decided to defend himself.

IC:

The general rose from his seat, his medals tingling against each other, he gave the court a quick look before making his opening.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am but a soldier, I do not know of elaborate speeches or talking to appease the crowds, I just do my job, and its my job that has brought me here, to this court, now, this job means following orders, some times you might disagree with them, but you fulfill them whether you like them or not, that, is the army, and that was all I did, as the Eurasian PM can testify, and so can my aides.
At its proper time, I will present evidence that supports my case, and will clearly show that the Prime Minister knew our strike was not going to be surgical in any way"

The general sat down again, and waited for the trial itself to formally start.

"Will the prosecution call their first witness?" asked the judges.

"Yes, Your Honours," replied Sir Charles. "I would like to first call Olivia Azzopardi (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Olivia_Azzopardi) to the stand."

A young, slender woman in a black suit strode peacefully up to the stand and sat down quietly.

Turning to look at her, Andrew Swan asked, "Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?"

"Yes," she replied coolly.

"Please state your name for the record," Sir Charles ordered.

"Dame Olivia Cecilia Azzopardi, of the Imperial Service Order."

"State your occupation."

"I work as an EBG Parliament newsreader and reporter."

"Were you in Worchester at the time of the attacks?"

"Yes, I was. I was visiting my boyfriend, Jack Wilson, when the revolution occured, and I was trapped in there until GASN troops liberated the residential neighbourhood we were in."

"Tell us what you saw during the attacks."

"It was a dark night, cloudy, overcast, rainy, and I was in Jack's flat watching the television. I suddenly heard something that sounded quite a bit like thunder, but far more deafening. I looked outside, expecting lightning, but there was nothing but these arcs of orange light streaking towards the city from afar."

"Then what happened?"

"The arcs, which turned out to be artillery shells, belaboured the city. Explosions surrounded our flat. The complexes next to us were ablaze, in ruins. I could barely hear. I stumbled down the stairs and walked out on to the street, where I could barely breathe due to all of the dust and smoke and flames out there."

"Could you see other explosions?"

"All across the city."

"Now, to your knowledge, was their any military significance to the residential neighbourhood in which you lived, in which shells pulverised flats and houses?"

"No."

"The prosecution is done with the witness," commented Sir Charles.

"Defence, cross-examination," signalled the judges.

The Hurtian judges (who also were the Ministers of Foriegn Affairs) Pinkerton and his deputy minister Gumbal, were not impressed by the case presented by Doyle. For Doyle had admited that their own prime minister had given the task of quelling the revolt to the care of his Minister of Defense, who in turn was the person who actually ordered the attack.

Things didn't look too great for the prosocution. Since not firing upon the city would have been mutiny (against their Eurasian Liason and their Commanding officers), an offense traditionally punishable by summary execution. As for the Eurassian MoD not knowing what he was ordering, that was his own fault.

Pinkerton:
"Sir Doyle, you do realize that in your opening statement, you just pointed out that it was not the Soviets that ordered the assault, but your own Minister of Defence Elliot Crompton... The commander who is seated before us, was merely tasked with planning the bombardment, and did seek final approval with Crompton before opening fire. Therefore, would it not be wise to set Minister Crompton on the stand as well? If not for crimes against humanity, then for general incompetance as a military commander, and thus, his immediate replacement before his carelessness causes more of these misunderstandings."

The general looked at the young girl, then stood up and approached her.

"May I ask you why were you calmly watching TV on your boyfriend's flat if the city was filled by insurgents and a war was raging outside? Why werent you hiding, looking for cover, or trying to escape?"

"You can only hide in fear for so long," Olivia retorted. "Besides, we were attempting to see if we could find any news about the suspected Eurasian advance. That would have proven vital to our survival if we knew that armoured brigades would be roaring through the streets."

"You can only hide in fear for so long," Olivia retorted. "Besides, we were attempting to see if we could find any news about the suspected Eurasian advance. That would have proven vital to our survival if we knew that armoured brigades would be roaring through the streets."

"But, surely someone of your status should have reasons to fear the rebels, after all, you are a very important member of a right-wing capitalist newspaper, are you not?"

"Yes, I was particularly afraid," replied Olivia coldly. "And I took a number of precautions. The door was bolted, the windows sealed, the blinds drawn. Jack has a gun, and one of us always had it on us, pointed at the door. But we couldn't risk going out in to the street. News had leaked that the PRA rebels would arrest any body they wanted and send them off to Uxbridge, where they would be raped and tortured. I didn't want that - I stayed in the flat."

Jessica looked down at the bench and Made a Shushing motion at the Hurtian Judge, scribbling a quick note and having it passed down.

Keep the comments to yourself for the moment, we'll get our chance to ask both sides what we wish, but don't forget your point, but let's just listen for now.

"Yes, I was particularly afraid," replied Olivia coldly. "And I took a number of precautions. The door was bolted, the windows sealed, the blinds drawn. Jack has a gun, and one of us always had it on us, pointed at the door. But we couldn't risk going out in to the street. News had leaked that the PRA rebels would arrest any body they wanted and send them off to Uxbridge, where they would be raped and tortured. I didn't want that - I stayed in the flat."

"So you say you never tried to escape nor contact the Eurasian forces or any of its allies?"

"No, I never attempted to escape," answered Olivia. "And I'm a reporter, not a military soldier. I had no means to contact the Coalition. All I had was a cell phone, and the towers were down. Internet was also down."

IC:
The Shazbotdom News Network reporter was writing down all the testamony's that had occured at this point, while his camera was still videotaping what was going on.

"No, I never attempted to escape," answered Olivia. "And I'm a reporter, not a military soldier. I had no means to contact the Coalition. All I had was a cell phone, and the towers were down. Internet was also down."

"Very well, no further questions" Lukas Alexander nodded at the witness and went back to his bench.

"I also wish to inquire on he same issue brought up by Mr. Pinkerton. Should not those responsible, be held accountable? Or will the Eurasian government protect its own people, and instead search for a scapegoat," Added in the Halladi delegate, Gamal bin-Abdel Ahmed al-Reyid.

Imperial Judge Timothy McNiels sat next to his Illiorian counterpart, feeling as if a ton of bricks had been dropped on his testicles after being flown in from Cravna and immediately put on the bench. The jet lag was insufferable, but he knew he had his job to do. That bottle of whisky in the hotel room was calling to him after the trial was over.

Tim was a member of the Imperial High Courts, the top of the judicial branch in Cravan. A former military judge, Tim noticed several key differences between the laws he knew and the laws applied to these gunners and officer, and he wasn't even able to sleep on the flight over for he was forced to study these laws and acquaint himself with them.

And now he watched attentively as the Halladi representative reinforced an already effective argument...

Sir Charles rose from his seat.

"Your Honours, I think that our next witness will adress those concerns. Furthermore, Mr Crompton is being tried for gross negligence in a Eurasian military court. I hereby call Defence Minister Elliot Crompton, who has already been sworn in."

A tall man with greying hair, in crisp military uniform, sat down in the witness stand.

"State your name for the record," commanded Sir Charles.

"Elliot Crompton, Minister for Defence, Supreme Commander of the Eurasian Expeditionary Force."

"Describe what you do for the court."

"Quite simply, I direct the Eurasian military. While I cannot control the precise actions of each company of soldiers, I direct the overall military strategy for Eurasia."

"Where were you on the night of 1 March 2009?"

"In the Ministry for Defence Command Centre, planning the Worchester assault."

"Did the defendant approach you?"

"Yes; he had a division of artillery gunners stationed in Islington and requested authority to fire on the city."

"What did you say back?"

"I told him that we needed to act within the principles of rapid dominance. Then I authorised his attack."

"Did you ever instruct him to shell wide swaths of the city indiscriminately?"

"No."

"Some have stated that it is your fault that those in Worchester died. Care to refute that?"

"Yes; I cannot interfere in the actions of other militaries. I can cooperate with them, I can coordinate with them, but I cannot direct them. The general merely was being polite, and I told him how Eurasia fights its wars. What the general did was not within the purview of the MoD."

"I have no more questions for this witness."

Jessica Passed the same note to the Halladi delegate as she did to the Hurtian Delegate.

Gamal looked down at the note, and grunted. Then he crumpled up the note, giving a dirty look to Illiorian.

Sir Charles rose from his seat.

"Your Honours, I think that our next witness will adress those concerns. Furthermore, Mr Crompton is being tried for gross negligence in a Eurasian military court. I hereby call Defence Minister Elliot Crompton, who has already been sworn in."

A tall man with greying hair, in crisp military uniform, sat down in the witness stand.

"State your name for the record," commanded Sir Charles.

"Elliot Crompton, Minister for Defence, Supreme Commander of the Eurasian Expeditionary Force."

"Describe what you do for the court."

"Quite simply, I direct the Eurasian military. While I cannot control the precise actions of each company of soldiers, I direct the overall military strategy for Eurasia."

"Where were you on the night of 1 March 2009?"

"In the Ministry for Defence Command Centre, planning the Worchester assault."

"Did the defendant approach you?"

"Yes; he had a division of artillery gunners stationed in Islington and requested authority to fire on the city."

"What did you say back?"

"I told him that we needed to act within the principles of rapid dominance. Then I authorised his attack."

"Did you ever instruct him to shell wide swaths of the city indiscriminately?"

"No."

"Some have stated that it is your fault that those in Worchester died. Care to refute that?"

"Yes; I cannot interfere in the actions of other militaries. I can cooperate with them, I can coordinate with them, but I cannot direct them. The general merely was being polite, and I told him how Eurasia fights its wars. What the general did was not within the purview of the MoD."

"I have no more questions for this witness."

Lukas Alexander approached Minister Cromptom, and stood perfectly still in front of him.

"Isnt it true, Mr. Cromptom, that I told you that the barrage would be massed and not surgical, and I quote:

"We try to keep civilian casualties to a minimum, but, our main plan of attack consists in massed artillery barrages."

I have witnesses that can prove I said that"

"Indeed you did tell me that," replied Crompton. "And I took your word that you meant that there would be minimal civilian casualties. Furthermore, 'massed' does not imply 'not-surgical'. You could have hundreds of artillery pieces firing - that would be massed - but have each one hit a specific, precise target with high accuracy."

"Indeed you did tell me that," replied Crompton. "And I took your word that you meant that there would be minimal civilian casualties. Furthermore, 'massed' does not imply 'not-surgical'. You could have hundreds of artillery pieces firing - that would be massed - but have each one hit a specific, precise target with high accuracy."

"Indeed, but did I not also tell you that we were probably going to level the city as well?"

"I do not recall that statement," Crompton stated

"I do not recall that statement," Crompton stated

"Then allow me to refresh your memory by quoting my entire introduction, as always, I have witnesses that can prove this information is correct:

"We try to keep civilian casualties to a minimum, but, our main pkan of attack consists in massed artillery barrages. Thus, we need to know if you mind having a few cities leveled (there'll be a warning to civilians beforehand though), if not, we'll try to make a few sorties involving aircraft, bombs and then tanks advancing through the cities.
Oh, we've been given strict orders to arrest and extradite any captured "insurgent", is this okay with you and your people?"

We also noted your answer, Mr. Cromptom

"Evacuation of insurgents is acceptable," replied the Prime Minister. "But it would be appreciated if they could be detained in Eurasian facilities - with your supervision, of course. Now, for the attack plan for Worchester. Your artillery barrage will start the assault - and that barrage must happen now. Once you've shelled them, your aircraft, along with Eurasian aircraft, must clear a route that leads around the city to its southern end, which your troops will march through. Meanwhile, the Eurasian 1st Army is going to attack from the north - resulting in RPA forces being spread out. Our cruise missile strikes on Waltham Forest ought to keep any reinforcements distracted."

This prove that you never requested the strike to be surgical, and, that you knew we were going to level said city. In fact, if it hadnt been for some officers in the forward forces, the barrage would have continued for about ten or twenty more minutes"

"Thank you," stated Crompton. "It's coming back now. Obviously, though, there was no 'warning to civilians', since fifty thousand of them lie dead."

"Is there anything I can clear up for the judges before I begin with my next witness?" asked Sir Charles.

"Thank you," stated Crompton. "It's coming back now. Obviously, though, there was no 'warning to civilians', since fifty thousand of them lie dead."

"Yes, it was an unfortunate accident, which I can only blame to myself for two reasons, first, thinking that you would warn them, and second, not warning them myself as planned.

No further questions"

Deputy Minister of Foriegn Affairs Barney Gumbal loked over Pinkerton's shoulder to read the Illorian's note, grunted. Then listened to the proceedings:
"Is there anything I can clear up for the judges before I begin with my next witness?" asked Sir Charles.

To this, Gumbal stood up and directly asked Crompton:

"Sir, did you know of any military targets within Worcheste considered worth an artillery barrage, let alone a massed barrage. And if so, please list them now."

OOC: It's nice to see you waited for me to partake in the trial procedures. As of right now, the gunners would still be in GASN custody, not sent back to TWSP.

OOC: It's nice to see you waited for me to partake in the trial procedures. As of right now, the gunners would still be in GASN custody, not sent back to TWSP.

OOC: This is just for the General as far as I know at this point... the Gunners are in transit on one of my Cargo aircraft to Terrence.

OOC: This is just for the General as far as I know at this point... the Gunners are in transit on one of my Cargo aircraft to Terrence.

OOC: Wilco, I'm hoping we can get our procedures open on those gunners.

Deputy Minister of Foriegn Affairs Barney Gumbal loked over Pinkerton's shoulder to read the Illorian's note, grunted. Then listened to the proceedings:


To this, Gumbal stood up and directly asked Crompton:

"Sir, did you know of any military targets within Worcheste considered worth an artillery barrage, let alone a massed barrage. And if so, please list them now."

"Yes, sir," replied Crompton crisply. "Not only was Worchester home to a large number of concentrated rebel troops around it, Worchester also held a their primary port facility, which harboured dozens of naval vessels, including nuclear submarines stolen from the Royal Navy, and what we suspected to be their primary naval headquarters, though we can't be sure, since we have yet to have troops reach that quadrant of the city. Worchester also contained a Royal Army base being occupied by the rebels."

"Yes, sir," replied Crompton crisply. "Not only was Worchester home to a large number of concentrated rebel troops around it, Worchester also held a their primary port facility, which harboured dozens of naval vessels, including nuclear submarines stolen from the Royal Navy, and what we suspected to be their primary naval headquarters, though we can't be sure, since we have yet to have troops reach that quadrant of the city. Worchester also contained a Royal Army base being occupied by the rebels."

"And was the stated goal to recapture these ships intact, or to destroy them in port, along with port facilities. Or, was the entire goal to provide suppressive fire for the manned ground assault, leaving the military targets unknown to the Soviet gunners?"

"Our intent was their destruction. The Soviet fire was also primarily intended to clear out heavy concentrations of rebels, such as those in the ports and in the bases, making it easy for our troops to march in.

"Our intent was their destruction. The Soviet fire was also primarily intended to clear out heavy concentrations of rebels, such as those in the ports and in the bases, making it easy for our troops to march in.

Gumbal had a sharp increase in his tone, as he clearly believed the Minister was attempting to sidestep away from his question:

"Now please define 'rebel' and how one would go about distinguishing a dead rebel from a dead civillian? And is it not possable, that the Soviets actually were targeting what they thought were rebel strongpoints, or potential strongpoints? Plus, you didn't really answer my question, did you tell the Soviets this was what you wanted them to do, or did you just tell them to give suppressive fire upon the city? Please keep in mind, Minister, you are under oath, and that these questions will naturally be cross refferanced with the Soviet Artillerymen."*

*Stressing underlined portions, bold and italic portions on verge of yelling, but not quite yet.

Minister Pinkerton was at this point trying to get Gumbal to sit down and be quiet...

But Gumbal just stood there, waiting for his answer.

"I'm not sure I appreciate your tone, sir," Crompton spat, contempt dripping from his mouth. "From the intelligence gathered in the liberation of Stirling, most rebels - defined as those actively supporting the cause of the People's Liberation Army - are armed and are wearing either an insignia or a military uniform of some kind. In my country, such things do not come in easy supply - making the rebels distinguishable. I merely ordered suppressive fire on the city, yes. However, you asked if there were any targets worth a military barrage - yes, there were, and Eurasian artillery attacked them - they had a better grasp of the city. Yes, it is possible that the Soviets attacked potential strongpoints. It is also possible that they were wildly drunk when the opened fire as well, Your Honour."

Gumbal sat down muttering to himself about 'Your honour', 'suppressive fire' and, 'following orders'. Minister Pinkerton promptly silenced his mutterings.

Pinkerton kindly apologised for Gumbal's rudeness, but also added that Hurtians don't take kindly to nations that can't keep their own internal affairs in order, and then complain when those who go out of their way to help, mess up every once and awhile - especially if it wasn't entirely their fault.*

*Plus Gumbal was one of the men who helped train TWSP's Special Forces, and considers them quite skilled at dealing with such problems, provided they are given proper leadership.

Pinkerton also has a history, being a crewmember of the HTS Kursk during the relief mission to Alidor in which Hurtian forces were mistaken for terrorists, and on the same boat when it was shelled by Parthians off the coast of Chitzeland, hence the eyepatch. A full salvo of 30" ETC shells and anti-shipping missiles tends to do that to the 'lucky' ones. The old Kursk being little more than an upgunned Leafansi tramp steamer...

"Your Honours," stated Sir Charles. "The prosecution rests, though we reserve the right to call a rebuttal witness."

"Your Honours," stated Sir Charles. "The prosecution rests, though we reserve the right to call a rebuttal witness."

OOC: I guess its my turn then, right?

OOC: Indeed, but I can still call a witness later if I feel the need to refute your testimony.

OOC: Ok, I just need to know if the gunners are here or not.

OOC: Indeed, but I can still call a witness later if I feel the need to refute your testimony.

Damn, I'm late...

OOC: Hehe, me too...

IC: The Cautetan judge cleared his throat briefly, before adressing the general.
"Just to be entirely clear, you acted on you own initiative, is that right? Were your orders for the bombardment specific? Were you asked to strike the city indiscriminately?"

OOC: Ok, I just need to know if the gunners are here or not.

QFT!

OOC: Hehe, me too...

IC: The Cautetan judge cleared his throat briefly, before adressing the general.
"Just to be entirely clear, you acted on you own initiative, is that right? Were your orders for the bombardment specific? Were you asked to strike the city indiscriminately?"

"No, I told them I'd strike the city indiscriminately, and they said it was ok"

The antigran judge stood up.

"Were you ordered or told to do this in any way? Did anyone even hint that you should do this?"

The antigran judge stood up.

"Were you ordered or told to do this in any way? Did anyone even hint that you should do this?"

"Attack the city? Yes, I was told to support Eurasian troops moving into the city by striking it"

OOC: I know i'm a bit late, but can I join as a judge?