Final Guillotining in Paris History
November 28th, 1972
November 28th, 1972
How Long Ago?
52 years, 3 months, 14 days ago
Location
Paris, France
Category
Crime & Law
People
- Claude Buffet
- Roger Bontems
Links & References
Tags
Final Guillotining in Paris History
Claude Buffet and Roger Bontems were executed by guillotine on November 28, 1972, at La Santé Prison in Paris. Their executions came after being convicted in a notorious kidnapping and murder case, prompting widespread public and media attention. This marked the last use of the guillotine in France, symbolizing the end of an era in capital punishment practices within the country.
First executions in Paris since 1960.
Last use of the guillotine in France.
Executed for a high-profile murder case.
Contributed to the abolition movement.
What Happened?
In the early hours of November 28, 1972, Claude Buffet and Roger Bontems faced the guillotine, the iconic symbol of French justice. This execution was held at La Santé Prison in Paris, following their conviction for the brutal kidnapping and murder of a young boy, which garnered extensive media coverage and public outrage. The heinous nature of their crime raised questions about the use of capital punishment, igniting debates within society regarding morality, justice, and the effectiveness of the death penalty as a deterrent for crime.
The case sharply divided public opinion, with many advocating for the abolition of the death penalty, arguing that it was an outdated and barbaric form of punishment. Conversely, supporters maintained that it was necessary for the most violent criminals. The aftermath of the trial and execution of Buffet and Bontems would influence public sentiment further, leading to France’s eventual move away from capital punishment altogether.
These final guillotinings in Paris reflected broader societal changes in attitudes towards justice and punishment. France would abolish the death penalty entirely in 1981, marking a significant shift in its legal system. The event thus symbolized not only the end of executions in France but also a change in the national consciousness regarding human rights and the treatment of criminals.
Why Does it Matter?
The executions of Claude Buffet and Roger Bontems are significant as they represent the final application of the guillotine in France, a country with a notorious history of using this method since the French Revolution. This moment marked a turning point in the French penal system and contributed to the ongoing global discourse concerning capital punishment. It reflects a gradual societal shift towards more humane treatment of offenders and the eventual abolition of the death penalty in France.
Discover More Historic Events from November 28th
Massacre of Civilians in Aksum, Ethiopia
In Aksum, Ethiopia, over seven hundred civilians were killed by the Ethiopian National Defense Force and the Eritrean Army. The incident took place amid ongoing conflicts that erupted in the Tigray region. The motivations behind the attack remain tied to the larger context of the Tigray War, where political and ethnic tensions have escalated since the outbreak of hostilities.
Continue ReadingLaMia Flight 2933 Fatal Crash in Colombia
LaMia Flight 2933, a chartered aircraft, crashed near Medellin, Colombia, during its approach to José María Córdova International Airport. The plane was carrying 77 people, including a majority of the Brazilian football club Chapecoense, who were en route to the Copa Sudamericana final. The crash occurred after the aircraft ran out of fuel, leading to a catastrophic loss of control before impact. Despite the heroic efforts of rescue teams, 71 of the 77 occupants lost their lives.
Continue ReadingViolent Attack on Kano Central Mosque
Gunmen attacked the central mosque in Kano, Nigeria, detonating three bombs during Friday prayers, resulting in the deaths of at least 120 people. The assault took place amid rising violence attributed to Boko Haram, which has targeted places of worship. Survivors described scenes of chaos as worshippers scrambled for safety amid the explosions, marking one of the deadliest attacks in the city in recent years. Security concerns were heightened as the attackers targeted a fundamental religious gathering during a pivotal time for the Muslim community.
Continue ReadingSuicide Bombing at Mombasa Hotel
In Mombasa, Kenya, suicide bombers attacked an Israeli-owned hotel, killing and injuring numerous people. Concurrently, their accomplices attempted to shoot down Arkia Israel Airlines Flight 582 with surface-to-air missiles, highlighting a failed effort to target Israeli tourists. This incident occurred amidst rising tensions related to global terrorism and regional conflicts.
Continue ReadingSouth Ossetia's Declaration of Independence
On November 28, 1991, South Ossetia, a region in Georgia, declared independence following a referendum. This move came amid political turmoil in Georgia after the Soviet Union's dissolution. The declaration was influenced by longstanding ethnic tensions between Ossetians and Georgians, exacerbated by the power vacuum and instability in the region. The political maneuvers were echoed in both regional and international forums, leading to a complex geopolitical situation.
Continue ReadingMargaret Thatcher Resigns as Prime Minister
Margaret Thatcher announced her resignation as leader of the Conservative Party, leading to her departure as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Her leadership, which had begun in 1979, faced intense scrutiny as party divisions widened and public support dwindled. Ironically, her final public appearance was at a Conservative Party gathering in the House of Commons, where she confirmed her decision. John Major was subsequently elected as her successor, marking a significant transition in British politics.
Continue Reading