Explosion in Caracas CARACAS, VENEZUELA — The ruthless and conceited dictator of the Dominican Republic, Rafael Leonidas Trujillo, has once again committed an act of terror, for which he rightfully deserves to be called a devil. On Friday, June 24, 1960, Trujillo attempted to assassinate President Rómulo Betancourt of Venezuela. Betancourt, an established and outspoken opponent of Trujillo, publicly denounced his dictatorship and associated with Dominicans who plotted to overthrow “el chivo” or “the goat.” In turn, Trujillo developed an obsessive personal hatred of Betancourt and supported numerous plots by Venezuelan exiles to overthrow him. This pattern of intervention led the Venezuelan government to take its case against Trujillo to the Organization of American States (OAS). Trujillo became infuriated and opposition to his regime started to reach a fever pitch. The younger generation of Dominicans clamored for democratization while other nations ostracized the Dominican Republic. Pressure from the Military Intelligence Service (SIM) secret police further compounded Trujillo’s paranoia. Furthermore, Betancourt himself knew that he was on the dictator’s dark side, “Ever since I brought charges of his human rights abuses before the OAS, Trujillo has been after me.” As if proven right, Trujillo ordered his agents to assassinate Betancourt in Caracas. An incendiary device that was in a parked car was detonated as Betancourt’s presidential limousine drove by one of Caracas' main avenues. Luckily, Betancourt survived, but was critically injured, with both hands severely burned. The incident killed Betancourt’s head of security and severely injured his driver. Speaking from his hospital bed, Betancourt announced he had once again filed charges with the OAS. Trujillo’s cronies, including Secretary of State Manuel de Moya, expressed outrage at the “vicious and unfounded accusations of President Betancourt” and signified “the openness of our government to any and all investigations from member nations who wish to ascertain the falsity of these malicious charges.” As a result, the OAS accepted the invitation and a five-member committee is due in the Dominican Republic by the end of July. Meanwhile, Betancourt emerged from the hospital with both burned hands wrapped in bandages to the sound of cheering and a wave of photographers. Betancourt’s actions against Trujillo’s oppressive regime had partly succeeded despite his proximity to death. Outraged OAS members voted unanimously to sever diplomatic relations with Trujillo’s government and impose economic sanctions on the Dominican Republic. The Betancourt incident inflamed world opinion against Trujillo and signified to his regime that it was the beginning of the end.
United we will succeed,
united we will prevail!
United we will succeed,
united we will prevail!
Betancourt's car in the immediate aftermath
Betancourt speaking publicly with burned hands wrapped in bandages
RSS Feed