Executions in Havana, Cuba during the 10 years war in 1869. The garotting of Leon & Medina
Original engraving. Illustrated London News May 15 1869. The executions took place on May 9. The constitutional assembly that had elected Cespedes as the first president of the republic in arms had taken place the month before. Leon and Medina were employed in a tobacco factory In this factory were deposited a large number of arms, awaiting their removal to the camp of the insurgents. When the police tried to seize them this was resisted, and a serious affray ensued; the police fired upon the crowd, shots were returned, and three of the police were killed. Leon and Medina were arrested, on a charge of aiding the insurrection by secreting arms and resisting their seizure. They were tried, convicted, and condemned to suffer death by strangulation. Leon made a speech before his death a section of which follows: "Death to Spanish rule, and long live Cuba, free and independent! Long live Cespedes and Aguilera, the liberators of our down-trodden people! "
Size: 8079px × 5484px
Location: Havana, Cuba
Photo credit: © Historical Images Archive / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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