User blog comment:Hunter Zealot/Tie ins at the Trial/@comment-1769672-20110520021521/@comment-1900300-20110520070345

The situations are vastly different. Firstly Saren was a prized agent of over 20 years service. Shepard is not that beloved by the Council. Second the were not just defending an agent, but establishing their athority over the Alliance, who they fear is growing out of their control. Thrid Saren's actions greatly damaged the credibility of the Spectre's, which is why Anderson calls it a symbolic status now. Shepard cant expect Council protection anymore. Fourth the Spectre status was only given on the condition that Shepard stayed in Terminus space. They wanted to keep the damage of this getting to the press to a minumin and that was the best place to hide him, It is clear the Council are not willing to stick their neck out of Shepard. And Shepard's trail is basically an olive branch to the batarians. If the Council intereferes not only will it destroy the best chance at maintaining reletivly peaceful relations (which is far more important to them then Shepard, since it is their job), but it would also seem like they are condoning Shepard's actions to the batarians, putting all member goverments at risk. Even if they put Shepard on trial themselves it would still put Shepard's actions on their shoulders. The smartest move by the Council will be to stay out of the whole mess (it isnt their fight after all) and hope things cool off. the hope is Shepard's trial will cool relations, but if war breaks out the other races will want to remain neutral.