8 Famous Political Assassinations That Shook The World

8. King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (Saudi Arabia)

The killing of a king, or regicide, is often described as the most heinous and evil act that a human can commit - after all, if kings really are appointed by God then it is an act betraying the will of the Creator Himself. Seemingly then, killing a king is the worst-possible crime. Well, not exactly - what about if you kill the king who also happens to be your uncle? As was the case when King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was murdered by his nephew Faisal bin Musaid. The Saudi Arabian monarch had reigned on the throne for 11 years (1964-1975) - overseeing a complete modernisation of an ancient Middle Eastern kingdom into a largely modern and semi-reformed nation - by abolishing slavery and removing many outdated practices. A vehement anti-Communist and pro-Palestinian nationalist, King Faisal was a major proponent of unifying all Muslims into one nation (pan-Islamism) and was arguably the most well-received monarch in Saudi history. However, his half-brother€™s son - Faisal bin Musaid - returned to Saudi in March 1975 having spent time in America to attend an open invite to the King€™s residence. Musaid arrived at the residence, gun in hand. When his uncle walked up to hug Musaid, the latter whipped out his pistol and shot his King twice - first in the chin and then in the ear. Although he was rushed to hospital, paramedics were unable to save King Faisal after a blood transfusion and he died that day. Although Musaid was officially declared as €œinsane€ during the trial, Saudi medical experts later determined that he was fully-sane when he committed regicide. It is believed he was attempting to avenge the death of his brother, who was killed by a policeman following a mass violent protest against public reforms. He was found guilty of the crime and beheaded in the public square in Riyadh. Saudis still mourn the loss of arguably their most-revered leader.