Remembering Antonio González Ramos: A Victim of Franco’s Brutality

On the night of October 30, 1975, Antonio González Ramos was brutally awakened in his home by a group of eleven men, marking the beginning of a tragic sequence of events that would lead to his death just hours later.

Legacy of a Committed Activist

As the 50th anniversary of his tragic murder approaches, the Communist Party of the Canary Islands in Tenerife is taking steps to honor his memory. They emphasize the importance of remembering individuals like Antonio, stating, “We must remember that the freedoms we enjoy today were achieved through the struggle for democracy and socialism by thousands of workers like him.”

Antonio’s journey began in the 1960s when he emigrated to Germany, seeking refuge from the oppressive regime of Francisco Franco. During his time in Germany, he worked in a factory and connected with fellow exiled Spaniards, which led him to the Communist Party of Spain.

Upon returning to Tenerife, he became an active member of the local workers’ movement, particularly during his tenure at the Philip Morris tobacco factory. His dedication to socialist ideals was evident as he played a crucial role in founding Comisiones Obreras in Tenerife, becoming a well-known community figure.

Initially part of the Left Opposition of the PCE, Antonio later joined the United Communist Party of the Canary Islands (PUCC), a faction that emerged from the Communist Party of Spain. By 1979, the PUCC had grown to become the third-largest political force in Tenerife, even winning the mayoralty of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Brutal Arrest in Front of Family

Antonio’s life took a horrific turn when he was arrested by a team of six members from the Special Delegation of the General Directorate of Security for the Canaries, led by the infamous José Matute Fernández, head of Franco’s political police. Accompanied by five officers from the Civil Guard’s Information Service, they stormed into his home, where his wife and four children were present.

During the raid, authorities discovered PUCC leaflets, which advocated for non-violence, alongside two sticks of dynamite belonging to a friend of Antonio, intended for illegal fishing. With Franco’s health declining, Matute sought to bolster his reputation by claiming he had dismantled an armed group, a reference to the growing support for the Movement for the Self-Determination and Independence of the Canary Archipelago (MPAIAC), led by Antonio Cubillo.

The Tragic Fate of Antonio González Ramos

After his arrest, Antonio was taken to the basement of what is now the Subdelegation of the Government in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, where he endured severe torture. The judicial summary of his case provides a harrowing account of the brutality he faced. With his wrists bound and shackled tightly, he was subjected to repeated blows from Inspector Matute, who struck him on the neck and delivered knee blows to his stomach.

Once on the ground, Matute further assaulted him, causing multiple rib fractures and severe internal injuries, including a lacerated liver. The autopsy revealed extensive damage, including bleeding in the anterior mediastinum and bruising on the right kidney, indicating the extreme violence he suffered.

In an attempt to cover up their actions, Matute and his accomplices fabricated a story claiming Antonio had committed suicide by jumping from their vehicle. However, medical evidence contradicted their narrative, exposing the truth behind his tragic death.

Key points

• Antonio González Ramos was murdered on October 30, 1975, after being arrested by Franco’s political police.
• He was a prominent activist and played a key role in establishing the United Communist Party of the Canary Islands.
• His arrest occurred in front of his wife and four children, highlighting the brutality of the regime.
• José Matute Fernández, head of the Social Investigation Brigade, was responsible for the torture that led to Antonio’s death.
• The Communist Party of the Canary Islands is commemorating his legacy as the 50th anniversary of his murder approaches.