On 23 August 1927, Italian anarchists Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti were executed in Massachusetts after a controversial trial that provoked international outrage.
The two men were convicted of armed robbery and murder in 1921, but the proceedings were marred by allegations of judicial bias, flimsy evidence, and anti-immigrant sentiment. Despite global campaigns for clemency, including appeals from leading intellectuals, the Massachusetts governor refused to intervene. The executions went ahead amid mass demonstrations outside the prison.
Impact on civil liberties
The case became a symbol of injustice for labour movements and immigrant communities worldwide. Critics argued that Sacco and Vanzetti were targeted more for their political beliefs and Italian heritage than for the crimes they were accused of. The controversy helped galvanise calls for reform of the US justice system, particularly around fair trial standards.
Legacy
Decades later, the state of Massachusetts acknowledged flaws in the case. In 1977, Governor Michael Dukakis issued a proclamation declaring that the two men had been unfairly tried and convicted. Their story remains a touchstone in debates over civil liberties, due process, and the rights of minorities in the justice system.
Global resonance
The Sacco and Vanzetti case is still studied in law schools and history departments as an example of how prejudice and politics can distort legal proceedings. On anniversaries of their execution, labour activists and civil rights groups continue to reflect on the lessons of the case.
REFH – Newshub, 23 August 2025
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