slánský himself had been in charge of purges of several of his associates. when gottwald thought he might be next, he had slánský and 13 others arrested. the charges against slánský included treason, spying and sabotage. slánský finally confessed after being tortured. then he had to memorize a speech for the show trial. all of the 14 had confessed. slánský was one of the 11 who was given a death sentence. twice slánský attempted suicide while he was waiting for his execution. finally, on december 3, 1952, he was hanged at pankrac prison.