Historical Events tagged with "escape"

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.

Crime & Law

Prison Break and Capture in Nouakchott

March 5th, 2023 2 years ago

Four prisoners escaped from Nouakchott Civil Prison, leading to a swift manhunt. Authorities reported the escape overnight, and the next day, suitable intelligence and coordinated efforts resulted in their recapture. The motivation behind the prisoners' attempt was not publicly disclosed, but the escape highlighted security concerns within the facility. The incident attracted significant media attention, prompting discussions on prison security protocols in Mauritania.

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Crime & Law

Mas Selamat Kastari's Escape from Detention

February 27th, 2008 17 years ago

Mas Selamat Kastari, a member of Jemaah Islamiyah, escaped from a detention center in Singapore and eluded authorities by hiding in Johor, Malaysia, for over a year. His escape raised significant security concerns in the region and highlighted vulnerabilities in counter-terrorism measures. After extensive manhunts, he was recaptured in April of the following year 2009.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Daring Hot Air Balloon Escape from East Germany

September 16th, 1979 45 years ago

Eight individuals ingeniously escaped East Germany using a homemade hot air balloon. The attempt took place under the oppressive regime of the German Democratic Republic, known for its strict border control and surveillance. These individuals, motivated by the desire for freedom and a better life, crafted the balloon from various materials, including plastic and blankets. Their journey began early in the morning, and despite initial challenges, they successfully floated over the Berlin Wall, landing in the West. This courageous act captured the attention of the world and became a symbol of the struggle for freedom.

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Crime & Law

James Earl Ray's Brief Prison Escape

June 10th, 1977 47 years ago

James Earl Ray, convicted of assassinating Martin Luther King Jr., escaped from Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary in Petros, Tennessee, demonstrating the vulnerabilities present in prison security. His escape was facilitated by a series of calculated maneuvers that left authorities scrambling. Ray was on the run for three days, instigating massive manhunts and intense media coverage. He was ultimately recaptured, but the escape highlighted serious concerns regarding the management of high-profile inmates.

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Crime & Law

Daring Helicopter Escape from Mountjoy Prison

October 31st, 1973 51 years ago

Three Provisional Irish Republican Army members executed a daring escape from Mountjoy Prison in Dublin by hijacking a helicopter, which landed in the prison exercise yard. The escape involved meticulous planning and the use of a stolen helicopter to facilitate their flight to freedom, marking a significant event in the struggles surrounding the Irish Troubles.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Peter Fechter Shot at the Berlin Wall

August 17th, 1962 62 years ago

Peter Fechter, an 18-year-old East German, was shot while attempting to escape to West Berlin. After climbing over the Berlin Wall, he was struck by bullets from border guards and ultimately bled to death while lying in the no man's land. His cries for help went unheard, and his tragic end became symbolic of the harsh realities faced by those yearning for freedom during the Cold War.

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Crime & Law

Escape from Alcatraz: Frank Morris and the Anglins

June 11th, 1962 62 years ago

Frank Morris, John Anglin, and Clarence Anglin allegedly executed a daring escape from Alcatraz Island. Using improvised tools, they created makeshift rafts and masks to hide their identities. The prisoners disappeared from their cells during the night, and their absence was discovered the following morning. Despite a massive search, they were never found, leading to speculation about their fate.

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Politics & Government

Conrad Schumann's Daring Escape from East Germany

August 15th, 1961 63 years ago

Conrad Schumann, a border guard, famously fled East Germany while on duty guarding the construction of the Berlin Wall. His dramatic escape occurred as he leapt over a barbed-wire fence into the arms of West German police, highlighting the tensions between East and West during the Cold War. This incident symbolized the desperate measures taken by individuals seeking freedom and the oppressive nature of the East German regime.

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Politics & Government

Benito Mussolini Arrested by Italian Partisans

April 27th, 1945 79 years ago

Benito Mussolini was arrested by Italian partisans on April 27, 1945, in Dongo as he attempted to flee to Switzerland disguised as a German soldier. He traveled with Clara Petacci, hoping to evade capture amidst the chaos of World War II. The partisans recognized him, marking a significant turn in the conflict in Italy, where loyalty to Mussolini had dwindled. His disguise proved futile as the war closed in on the fascist regime.

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