The Trial of Mohammad Mossadegh

Mossadegh's defense was not about proving his innocence in a legal sense, as he believed the charges were baseless to begin with. Instead, he used his time to justify his political actions, particularly the nationalization of oil. He passionately argued that his only "crime" was serving the will of the Iranian people and freeing the nation from foreign control. His eloquent, and at times theatrical, speeches were a continuation of the struggle for Iranian sovereignty that had defined his career. He openly mocked his accusers and the court, even threatening to boycott the proceedings.