Leon Trotsky – Attacked by Ramon Mercader in Mexico City on 20 August 1940

In Mexico City on 20 August 1940, Leon Trotsky was attacked by the Spanish communist and Soviet agent, Ramon Mercader.

To mark the day and pay our respects, we’ve posted an old newspaper story about the attack on Trotsky.

It’s interesting to note that the newspaper story wrongly reports the attack was carried out by a French Jew called Franck Johnson. The report also mentions that over 20 attempts had previously been made to kill Trotsky.

Trotsky died of his injuries the following day, and Stalin and the KGB later gave Mercader awards for carrying out the assassination of Trotsky.

Mercader was released from jail after serving a 20-year sentence.

Hull Daily Mail – Wednesday 21 August 1940

Image © Northcliffe Media Limited. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000324/19400821/049/0005