SANTA CLARA, CUBA – JANUARY 15, 1959 Cornelio Rojas was a Cuban police officer and the head of the national police in the province of Santa Clara during the regime of Fulgencio Batista. Before the Cuban Revolution, he was known for his loyalty to Batista and his repressive methods in suppressing dissent. After the revolutionary forces’ victory in 1959, he was arrested and accused of participating in the repression and killings of Batista’s regime opponents.
Cornelio Rojas was executed by a firing squad on January 15, 1959, without a proper trial, which was typical of the post-war wave of repression introduced by the new revolutionary government led by Fidel Castro. His execution was broadcast publicly as part of an effort to intimidate remaining Batista supporters. However, this act continues to spark controversy over the violation of the right to a fair trial and the methods used to consolidate power by the revolutionary regime.
