In 1928, the Soviet government, under the leadership of Joseph Stalin, held the first show trial. The trial, which became the basis and model for the Great Purges under Stalin, was based on alleged sabotage in the mines of the wild frontier of the Donbas region. The trial that unfolded was a dramatic show of lights, red velvet curtains, microphones, conspiracy, denouncement, torture and redemption. The Shakhty Trial was an experiment making an example of those who would not comply with Communist ideology and a reflection of Stalin's brutal leadership.