Fusilamiento

Fusilamiento is the act of execution by firing squad in which a condemned person is shot to death by a group of soldiers or, in some cases, a single marksman. The term comes from fusil, the Spanish word for rifle, with the -amiento suffix indicating a process or action.

Procedure and variations: In common practice, the condemned is brought to a designated location and restrained or bound. A group of shooters aims at the target from a short distance, and death is caused by multiple rifle shots. Procedures vary by country and period; in some cases the squad uses a mix of live rounds and blanks to obscure responsibility and to ensure compliance with military or legal requirements. After the shooting, a medical officer or official confirms death, and the body is handled according to local law. The method may be used for military discipline, political punishment, or civil capital sentences where capital punishment remains in force.

History and context: The fusilamiento has appeared in many regions and eras, especially within military organizations and during periods of political repression. It has been employed in wars, revolutions, and under authoritarian regimes in Europe, the Americas, and beyond. In many countries, capital punishment has been abolished or restricted, and firing squad remains available only in limited or historical contexts. When used today, it is typically subject to legal safeguards and oversight, though abuses have been reported in some episodes.

Notable aspects: The ritual surrounding the firing squad, the arrangement of the execution site, and the secrecy surrounding the shooters have had symbolic and psychological significance in some cultures.