The Cárcel Modelo massacre was the execution of roughly 30 politicians and soldiers by anarchist militiamen who occupied a Madrid prison on 22 August 1936, in the opening months of the Spanish Civil War.
After defeating the 1936 military coup attempt, the Spanish government imprisoned some of the uprising's suspected political and military supporters at the Cárcel Modelo Prison in Madrid. After rumors that the prisoners were escaping, an angry crowd formed outside the prison's gates demanding the execution of the "fascists".[1] A group of anarchist militiamen took control of the prison and executed the prisoners later that night.[1] The reigning Republican government saw its reputation falter from its inability to quell the crowd and protect the prisoners. The incident sparked protests from the diplomatic corps in Madrid.[2]
Since April 1931, the Second Spanish Republic had governed Spain.[3] However, following the election of November 1933 where left-wing parties performed well, Nationalists, Monarchists (Carlists and Alfonsist monarchists),[4] and Radical Republicans clashed with the governing Republicans in legal[5] and street fights.[5]
On 13 July 1936, Nationalist fighters (including military officials and troops) revolted against the Spanish coup of July 1936.[6]
40°26′0.6966″N 3°43′12.2844″W / 40.433526833°N 3.720079000°W
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