Feb 25 • 04:30 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

Guide to consulting documents of 23-F: key characters and moments

The Spanish government will release previously classified documents about the failed coup attempt on February 23, 1981 (23-F), including key figures and moments involved in the event.

On February 23, 1981, Spain faced a failed coup d'état known as 23-F, which involved military figures and pivotal moments shaping modern Spanish democracy. An announcement from the Spanish government reveals plans to declassify 153 documentary units, originating from the ministries of Interior, Defense, and Foreign Affairs, pertaining to the 23-F event. This release is significant as it represents an effort to clarify historical events surrounding the coup, particularly for the younger generation of Spaniards who were born after this critical moment in the country's political history. Among the notable figures mentioned is General Alfonso Armada, who was labeled by a Supreme Court ruling in 1983 as “the main beneficiary of the rebellion” and received a 30-year prison sentence. The release of these documents includes transcriptions instead of audio recordings, shedding light on the motivations and actions of those involved in the coup attempt, including those who were honored or condemned following the crisis. The impact of the 23-F coup attempt continues to resonate in the context of Spain's struggle for democracy, with a significant portion of the population born after the event, which underlines the importance of understanding their history. This initiative by the government symbolizes a commitment to transparency and accountability regarding Spain's democratic processes. It aims to inform both the general public and historians about the events and figures tied to the 23-F coup, encouraging a broader reflection on the importance of democracy and the consequences of political unrest in Spain's past. By releasing these documents, the government hopes to foster a deeper understanding of the implications of the coup for future generations and reinforce the democratic values that have since become integral to Spanish society.

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