Hamida Djandoubi: The Last Guillotine Execution in France

On September 10, 1977, Hamida Djandoubi, a Tunisian immigrant, became the last person to be executed by guillotine in France. This event marked a significant moment in French legal history, as it was the final use of the guillotine, a method of execution that had been a symbol of the French penal system since the French Revolution.

Background

Hamida Djandoubi was born in Tunisia in 1949 and moved to France in 1968. He initially worked as a laborer in Marseille. In 1971, Djandoubi suffered a severe accident that resulted in the amputation of one of his legs. This incident significantly impacted his life and mental health.

The Crime

In 1974, Djandoubi was convicted of the murder of 21-year-old Elisabeth Bousquet. The crime involved kidnapping, torture, and murder, which shocked the French public due to its brutality. Djandoubi had lured Bousquet to his apartment, where he tortured and eventually killed her. The case was widely covered in the media, highlighting the gruesome nature of the crime.

Trial and Conviction

Djandoubi’s trial took place in 1977. During the proceedings, his defense argued that the injuries from his accident and subsequent mental health issues contributed to his actions. However, the court found him guilty of murder, kidnapping, and torture. He was sentenced to death, a sentence that was still applicable under French law at the time.

Execution

On September 10, 1977, Hamida Djandoubi was executed by guillotine at Baumettes Prison in Marseille. The execution was carried out in the early hours of the morning, with only a few witnesses present. This event marked the end of an era, as it was the last time the guillotine was used in France.

Aftermath and Historical Significance

The execution of Hamida Djandoubi had significant implications for the French justice system. It reignited debates about the death penalty in France, contributing to growing public and political pressure to abolish capital punishment. In 1981, under the presidency of François Mitterrand, France officially abolished the death penalty, making it one of the last Western European countries to do so.

The case of Hamida Djandoubi remains a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding capital punishment and its place in modern society. It also serves as a historical marker of the end of the guillotine’s use, a method that had been synonymous with French justice for nearly two centuries.