"If the defendants refuse to plea," she said, "then we'll make sure the courts have the resources they need to try these people."

Once investors had bought the stock, the defendants refused to let them sell, the indictment charged.

The judge said that he would look into the matter but that if the defendants refused to eat, "It is your choice."

Prosecutors also said that the defendant had refused to allow some investors to sell the stocks when they wanted to.

The defendants refused or were unable to provide details under examination.

The defendants refused to testify in protest of having been denied counsel.

This was changed to allow the judge to enter a plea of not guilty if the defendant refused to plead.

The defendant refused to supply the goods, because the prices have increased.

"It's almost unheard of that any defendant would refuse to file an answer," she added.

Six other defendants, however, had refused to accept the alternate in the trial, which has been under way since September.