Garrote vil (Garrotte)

The garrote vil, often simply called a garrote, is a weapon, primarily of Iberian origin, used for strangulation. It is most commonly a handheld device, but can also be a more elaborate fixed contraption. The typical handheld garrote consists of a loop of wire, rope, cord, or catgut that is tightened around the victim's neck to induce asphyxiation.

The method of execution using a garrote is referred to as garroting.

Historical Use:

The garrote has a long history of use, particularly in Spain. It was a legal form of capital punishment in Spain from the early 19th century until 1978, when Spain abolished the death penalty in its new constitution. The garrote was also used in other countries, including some Latin American nations and, historically, in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period. Its use as an execution method was often associated with political repression.

Mechanism:

The garrote can be as simple as a loop that is tightened manually. However, a more sophisticated version incorporates a ratchet mechanism or a screw that allows the executioner to gradually tighten the loop, slowly strangling the victim. Some versions even included a metal bolt or spike that would penetrate the spinal cord at the moment of strangulation, resulting in immediate paralysis and a quicker death, theoretically. The screw-driven versions, and especially those with a spike, were considered more "humane" than simple strangulation, although the process was still brutal.

Cultural Significance:

The garrote has become a symbol of brutal and inhumane methods of execution, often associated with authoritarian regimes. Its use as a tool of political repression has cemented its place in history and popular culture as an instrument of terror.