Historical Events tagged with "assassination"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Politics & Government

Assassination of Nadarajah Raviraj in Colombo

November 10th, 2006 18 years ago

Nadarajah Raviraj, a prominent Sri Lankan Tamil politician, was assassinated in Colombo. His shooting happened in the capital's Nugegoda area while he was driving. Raviraj served as a Member of Parliament and was an outspoken critic of the government's policies regarding the Tamil population amid the ongoing Sri Lankan Civil War. His assassination marked a significant moment in the escalated tensions and violence directed at Tamil political figures.

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Politics & Government

S. Sivamaharajah Assassinated at Home

August 20th, 2006 18 years ago

S. Sivamaharajah, a prominent Sri Lankan Tamil politician and former Member of Parliament, was shot dead at his residence in Tellippalai. The assailants targeted him in a violent act that shocked the local community and raised tensions amid the ongoing civil conflict in Sri Lanka. Following the incident, there was widespread condemnation and speculation regarding the motives behind the assassination, as Sivamaharajah was known for his vocal stance on the rights of the Tamil minority in the country.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of Rafic Hariri in Beirut

February 14th, 2005 20 years ago

A massive truck bomb exploded in Beirut, killing 23 people, including former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri, as his motorcade passed. The bomb, equivalent to around 1,000 kg of TNT, devastated the area, highlighting security concerns in Lebanon amidst rising tensions. Hariri, a prominent political leader, had been outspoken against Syrian influence, making him a target within the complex political landscape of the region.

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Politics & Government

Assassination Attempt on Chen Shui-bian

March 19th, 2004 20 years ago

Just days before a pivotal presidential election, Chen Shui-bian, the then-president of the Republic of China (Taiwan), was shot in an assassination attempt while campaigning in Tainan. The attack took place as Chen Shui-bian and his running mate, Annette Lu, were traveling in an open vehicle and greeted supporters. Despite being injured, Chen proceeded to deliver a speech, impacting the election's atmosphere just ahead of polling day.

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Politics & Government

Musharraf Survives Assassination Attempt

December 14th, 2003 21 years ago

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf survived two bomb attacks while traveling in a motorcade in Rawalpindi. The first bomb exploded as his convoy passed over a bridge, leading to a second bomb detonating shortly after. The attempts were linked to his policies supporting the U.S. in the war on terror. Miraculously, Musharraf was unharmed, though the attacks resulted in casualties among security personnel and civilians.

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Politics & Government

Zoran Đinđić Assassinated in Belgrade

March 12th, 2003 22 years ago

Zoran Đinđić, the Prime Minister of Serbia, was assassinated in the center of Belgrade. The assassination occurred by a sniper while he was entering the government headquarters. This shocking event spurred massive political and social unrest in Serbia and raised questions about the country's security and stability.

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Politics & Government

Assassination Attempt on Jacques Chirac

July 14th, 2002 22 years ago

During the annual Bastille Day parade, French President Jacques Chirac narrowly escaped an assassination attempt when a man named Maxime Brunerie threw a knife at him. The incident occurred as Chirac was greeting the public from a military vehicle on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, a significant national celebration day. The assailant was immediately subdued by security personnel. The motive appeared to be linked to Brunerie's anti-government sentiments and personal grievances.

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Politics & Government

Pim Fortuyn Assassinated After Radio Interview

May 6th, 2002 22 years ago

Pim Fortuyn, a prominent Dutch politician, was assassinated shortly after giving a radio interview at the Mediapark in Hilversum. The event marked a shocking turning point in Dutch politics as Fortuyn was known for his controversial views on immigration and Islam. He was shot by an animal rights activist, highlighting the polarization surrounding his political stance. His untimely death ignited a national conversation about freedom of speech, political extremism, and social tensions in the Netherlands.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of Israeli Minister Rehavam Ze'evi

October 17th, 2001 23 years ago

Rehavam Ze'evi, the Israeli tourism minister, was assassinated in Jerusalem by Hamdi Quran, a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). This marked a significant escalation in political violence, as Ze'evi became the highest-ranking Israeli official killed in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The assassination fueled tensions and led to a military response from Israel, indicating the volatile nature of the region during this period.

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