Ramón Mercader

Spanish communist

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June 30, 2026

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Ramón Mercader was a Spanish communist who assassinated Leon Trotsky. Trotsky, a key figure in the Russian Revolution and a rival of Joseph Stalin, was living in exile in Mexico. After surviving an earlier assassination attempt, Trotsky was fatally struck with an ice pick by Mercader on August 20, 1940. It is widely believed that Mercader acted on orders from Stalin. The Soviet government denied any involvement in Trotsky's death.12

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Leon Trotsky
Exile and assassination of Leon Trotsky
Some three months later, however, Ramón Mercader, a Spanish communist who had won the confidence of the Trotsky household, fatally struck him with an ice pick. The Soviet government disclaimed any responsibility, and Mercader was sentenced to the maximum 20-year term under Mexican law.
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Some three months later, however, Ramón Mercader, a Spanish communist who had won the confidence of the Trotsky household, fatally struck him with an ice pick. The Soviet government disclaimed any responsibility, and Mercader was sentenced to the maximum 20-year term under Mexican law.
Read More