Assassination of the Mirabal Sisters

November 25th, 1960

November 25th, 1960

Assassination of the Mirabal Sisters
How Long Ago?

64 years, 3 months, 18 days ago

Location

Dominican Republic

Category

Social Movements & Civil Rights

People
  • Rafael Trujillo
  • Patria Mirabal
  • Minerva Mirabal
  • María Teresa Mirabal
Links & References
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Assassination of the Mirabal Sisters

Patria, Minerva, and María Teresa Mirabal were prominent political activists in the Dominican Republic who opposed the regime of Rafael Trujillo. They were murdered by agents of the state while traveling on a rural road in the Dominican Republic. Their deaths sparked outrage and became a symbol of the struggle against dictatorship, highlighting women's roles in the fight for human rights and freedom in Latin America. The Mirabal sisters are remembered annually on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, celebrated on November 25.

The sisters were part of a resistance group.

Their assassinations sparked public outrage.

November 25 is now a day for women's rights.

They are symbolized as martyrs for justice.

What Happened?

The Mirabal sisters—Patria Mirabal, Minerva Mirabal, and María Teresa Mirabal—were significant figures in the resistance against the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo in the Dominican Republic. Known collectively as 'Las Mariposas' (The Butterflies), the sisters became involved in political activism in the early 1950s, working to organize efforts against Trujillo's oppressive regime. Their activism was fueled by personal encounters with brutality and a deep desire for change in their country. This led them to be members of the 14th of June Movement, founded to oppose Trujillo’s government. Trujillo's regime was known for its violent suppression of dissent, and the sisters were among the few who openly challenged his rule.On the fateful day of their assassination, the sisters were returning home from visiting their imprisoned husbands. They were ambushed by Trujillo's henchmen while driving in a car on a secluded road. The soldiers tortured and killed them, staging their deaths to look like a car accident in an attempt to cover up the political crime. This brutal act elicited significant public outrage and was a turning point in the Dominican Republic's history, shedding light on the brutality of the regime and mobilizing more people against Trujillo’s dictatorship.The Mirabal sisters' legacy has persisted long after their deaths. They have become emblematic of the struggle for women's rights and justice in Latin America. Their story has been immortalized in literature and film, and they are honored in numerous ways, particularly on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The celebration of their lives serves as a reminder of the human rights struggles that persist in the region.

Why Does it Matter?

The assassinations of the Mirabal sisters highlight the extreme violence utilized by authoritarian regimes against opponents and also mark a critical moment in the fight for human rights in the Dominican Republic and Latin America. Their legacy has contributed to a broader understanding of women’s roles in political resistance and social movements. The recognition of November 25 as a day to combat violence against women demonstrates their lasting influence on global human rights discussions.

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