Advertisement
This Day in History: Nelson Mandela freed from prison
Updated: 11:26 PM EST Feb 10, 2023
On this day in 1990, Nelson Mandela, the leader of the movement to end apartheid in South Africa, was released from prison after 27 years. Born in 1918, Mandela joined the African National Congress, the oldest black political organization in South Africa, in 1944. In 1952, he became deputy national president of the ANC, advocating for nonviolent resistance to apartheid. After 69 people were killed in the Sharpeville massacre on March 21, 1960, Mandela helped organize a paramilitary branch of the ANC to engage in guerilla warfare against the government. Mandela was arrested for treason in 1961 and again in 1962 for illegally leaving the country. He was sentenced to five years in prison, and was put on trial again in 1964 on charges of sabotage. In June 1964, he and other ANC leaders were convicted, and Mandela was sentenced to life in prison.Watch the video above to see the full story.
On this day in 1990, Nelson Mandela, the leader of the movement to end apartheid in South Africa, was released from prison after 27 years.
Advertisement
Born in 1918, Mandela joined the African National Congress, the oldest black political organization in South Africa, in 1944.
In 1952, he became deputy national president of the ANC, advocating for nonviolent resistance to apartheid. After 69 people were killed in the Sharpeville massacre on March 21, 1960, Mandela helped organize a paramilitary branch of the ANC to engage in guerilla warfare against the government.
Mandela was arrested for treason in 1961 and again in 1962 for illegally leaving the country. He was sentenced to five years in prison, and was put on trial again in 1964 on charges of sabotage.
In June 1964, he and other ANC leaders were convicted, and Mandela was sentenced to life in prison.
Watch the video above to see the full story.
