Trial of Rabirius

In 63 BCE Titus Labienus – probably at the instigation of Caesar, accused the aged Gaius Rabirius. He accused him of murdering Lucius Saturninus in 100 BCE. Marcus Cicero took the defendant’s defence.

Despite the advocate’s efforts, Rabirius was found guilty. After the verdict was announced, the accused asked the Roman people to show him his favor. But before he received the answer, Quintus Metellus Celer removed the flag from Janiculum, which was tantamount to the dissolution of the assembly and annulment of the verdict. In this way, Gaius Ribarius avoided the penalty.