TRUJILLO MOLINA, Rafael Leonidas (Trujillo Molina Rafael Leonidas)

(1891-1961)
Born October 24, 1891 in San Cristobal. He worked as a telegrapher, in 1919 he served in the police. Headed the National Police in 1925, and after the transformation of police in the National Army (1927) was promoted to brigadier general. In 1930, became president after the president Horacio Vasquez was ousted in a coup. Trujillo officially served as president in 1930-1938 and in 1942-1952, but actually running the country and during the presidency of his brother, Hector Trujillo (1952-1960). Trujillo was able to attract foreign capital, but established a dictatorial regime that brutally suppressed the freedom and rights of citizens. In the end, caused widespread discontent in the army. In April 1960, wanting to create a semblance of democracy, defiantly resigned as chairman of the Dominican Party. In August the same year the Organization of American States imposed economic sanctions against the regime of Trujillo. Trujillo was killed by the military near San Cristobal 30 May 1961. According to the official version, organized the assassination, General Juan Tomas Diaz, soon killed in a shootout with police.