1987 Protests & Revolutions Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1987 Protests & Revolutions Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 09 Jan Nicaragua adopts new constitution on January 9, 1987: On January 9, 1987, Nicaragua's National Assembly adopted a new constitution, marking the ninth in the country's history. The constitution was the culmination of extensive national consultations and debates, involving multiple political parties and public forums. It established a framework for governance that emphasized socialist ideals and the Sandinista revolution, while also incorporating democratic principles and human rights protections. source: wipo.int
- 17 Jan Hu Yaobang's resignation as General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party: On January 17, 1987, Hu Yaobang resigned from his position as General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party. His resignation was likely influenced by recent student demonstrations advocating for political and economic reforms, which were perceived as challenges to the party's authority. Hu's ouster marked a significant political shift within the CCP, leading to the promotion of Zhao Ziyang as his successor. source: china.usc.edu
- 22 Jan Mendiola Massacre in Manila, Philippines: On January 22, 1987, a peaceful farmers' protest in Manila's Mendiola Street turned tragic when state security forces opened fire on demonstrators demanding genuine land reform. The incident resulted in the deaths of 13 protesters and injuries to 74 others. The massacre led to public outcry and prompted the Aquino administration to implement the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) to address agrarian issues. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 19 Jun ETA's Hipercor bombing in Barcelona: On June 19, 1987, a car bomb exploded in the underground parking lot of the Hipercor shopping center in Barcelona, Spain, killing 21 people and injuring 45. The Basque separatist group ETA claimed responsibility for the attack, marking it as the deadliest in their history. The bombing led to widespread condemnation and significant public protests against ETA's actions. source: upi.com
- 09 Jul Mass demonstration in South Korea on July 9, 1987, in memory of Lee Han-yeol: On July 9, 1987, over 1.6 million South Koreans participated in the national funeral of Lee Han-yeol, a Yonsei University student who died from injuries sustained during a pro-democracy protest on June 9. This mass demonstration was a pivotal moment in the June Democratic Struggle, a nationwide movement that led to significant democratic reforms in South Korea. source: washingtonpost.com
- 31 Jul Clash between Iranian pilgrims and Saudi security forces in Mecca: On July 31, 1987, during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, a violent confrontation occurred between Iranian pilgrims and Saudi Arabian security forces. The incident resulted in the deaths of over 400 people, with estimates varying between 400 and 402 fatalities. The clash was triggered by a demonstration organized by Iranian pilgrims against perceived adversaries, including the United States and Israel. Saudi authorities reported that the violence led to a stampede, while Iranian officials claimed that Saudi security forces opened fire on the demonstrators. The exact cause of the deaths remains disputed, with both sides presenting conflicting accounts. The incident significantly heightened tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia, leading to diplomatic protests and a reevaluation of pilgrimage policies. source: washingtonpost.com
- 28 Sep The First Intifada begins in the Palestinian territories: The First Intifada, a Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation, began on September 28, 1987. Triggered by a traffic incident involving an Israeli military vehicle and a Palestinian, it escalated into widespread protests and violence. The Intifada lasted until the early 1990s and significantly impacted Israeli-Palestinian relations. source: britannica.com
- 15 Oct Assassination of Thomas Sankara in Burkina Faso: On October 15, 1987, Thomas Sankara, the President of Burkina Faso, was assassinated during a coup d'état led by his former ally, Blaise Compaoré. Sankara and 12 of his colleagues were killed at a meeting of the ruling National Revolutionary Council in Ouagadougou. Compaoré subsequently assumed power and ruled the country for 27 years. In 2021, Compaoré was charged in absentia with complicity in murder and other offenses related to the assassination. source: aljazeera.com
- 15 Nov Brașov Rebellion against Communist Regime: On November 15, 1987, workers from the Steagul Roșu truck manufacturing plant in Brașov, Romania, initiated a protest against wage reductions and proposed job cuts. Approximately 20,000 workers marched to the Communist Party headquarters, chanting slogans like "Down with Ceaușescu!" and "We want bread." The demonstration was violently suppressed by the Securitate and the Romanian People's Army, resulting in numerous arrests and convictions. This event is considered a significant precursor to the Romanian Revolution of 1989. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 08 Dec First Palestinian Intifada begins on December 8, 1987: The First Palestinian Intifada, a grassroots uprising against Israeli occupation, began on December 8, 1987. Triggered by an incident involving an Israeli military vehicle and Palestinian workers, the Intifada marked a significant turning point in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, leading to widespread protests and violence. It lasted until the early 1990s and had profound implications for the region's political landscape. source: britannica.com
- 09 Dec First Intifada begins in the West Bank: The First Intifada, a Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation, began on December 9, 1987, in the West Bank. It was characterized by widespread protests, civil disobedience, and violent confrontations, marking a significant turning point in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The uprising lasted until the early 1990s and led to increased international attention on the Palestinian cause. source: britannica.com
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