Cárcel Modelo massacre

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. This massacre preceded 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 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". A group of anarchist militiamen took control of the prison and executed the prisoners later that night. 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.

Political unrest
see also: Spanish Coup of July 1936

Since April 1931, The Second Spanish Republic governed Spain. However, following the election of November 1933 where left-wing parties performed well, Nationalists, Monarchists (Carlists and Alfonsist monarchists), and Radical Republicans clashed with the governing Republicans in legal and street fights.

On 13 July 1936, Nationalist fighters (including military officials and troops) revolted against the Republican government.

Notable victims

 * Melquíades Álvarez, founder and leader of the Reformist Republican Party
 * Manuel Rico Avello, Minister of the Interior, Spanish High Commissioner in Morocco, and Minister of Finance
 * Julio Ruiz de Alda, founding member of the Falangist Movement of Spain
 * Ramón Álvarez-Valdés, Minister of Justice
 * José María Albiñana, founder of the Spanish Nationalist Party