Operation Galaxia

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Operation Galaxia (Spanish Operación Galaxia) was the codename given to the plan previous to the 23-F attempted coup d'etat in Spain. It was named Galaxia, because the officers who took part met in Cafetería Galaxia in Madrid (now, Van Gogh Café), on November 11, 1978.

It was meant to take place on November 17, 1978, to stop the Spanish transition to democracy taking place at that time. That date was chosen because the King, Juan Carlos, would be away in South America. The three people in charge of the operation were Guardia Civil Lieutenant-Colonel Antonio Tejero, Policía Armada Captain Ynestrillas, and another colonel, whose name was not available.

An Infantry Captain of the Police, and an Infantry Commander of the Army were present at the conversation, and informed their superiors of the plot.

On May 8, 1980, the two main suspects, Tejero and Ynestrillas were court-martialled, and on their way, they were cheered by crowds with nationalist flags, but also insulted, which showed the division of Spain at that time. The attorney general asked for six years for Tejero, and five for Ynestrillas, but they were only given seven months and a day and six months and a day respectively, the minimum sentence. None lost their military rank, and Ynestrillas was later promoted to Commander.