In 1977, the last guillotine execution took place in France. The guillotine had been the official method of execution in France since the French Revolution in the late 18th century. However, in 1981, the death penalty was abolished in France, making the last guillotine execution a historic moment.
The Guillotine
The guillotine was a machine used for beheading people. It consisted of a tall, upright frame with a weighted blade suspended at the top. The condemned person would be strapped to a board and placed underneath the blade. The blade would then be released, severing the person's head from their body.
The guillotine was named after Joseph-Ignace Guillotin, a French physician who proposed its use as a more humane method of execution.
The Last Execution
The last guillotine execution in France took place on September 10, 1977. The condemned man was Hamida Djanoubi, a Tunisian immigrant who had been convicted of murder. The execution was carried out at the Baumettes Prison in Marseille.
The execution was witnessed by a small group of journalists and officials. A video of the execution was also recorded, making it the last known video of a guillotine execution.
The Video
The video of the last guillotine execution is a disturbing and controversial piece of footage. It shows Djanoubi being led to the guillotine by prison officials, his head strapped to the board, and the blade being released.
The video was broadcast on French television shortly after the execution, but it was met with outrage and criticism. Many people felt that it was inappropriate and disrespectful to broadcast such a graphic and violent scene.
Controversy
The last guillotine execution and the video that was recorded have been the subject of much controversy and debate. Some people believe that the guillotine was a barbaric and inhumane method of execution, and that its use should have been abolished much sooner.Others argue that the guillotine was actually a more humane method of execution than other methods that were used at the time, such as hanging or burning at the stake.
Conclusion
The last guillotine execution in France in 1977 marked the end of an era. The guillotine had been a symbol of the French Revolution and a gruesome reminder of the power of the state. Its use had been a source of controversy and debate for centuries.Today, the guillotine is a relic of the past, but its legacy lives on. The video of the last guillotine execution serves as a reminder of the brutality of capital punishment and the need to continue the fight for human rights and justice.
Related video of Last Guillotine Execution 1977 Video