Ghorman Massacre/Legends

The Ghorman Massacre was an early atrocity committed by the Galactic Empire, c.18 BBY.

Background
After the Declaration of a New Order, the galaxy was ruled with absolute power by Emperor Palpatine. Initially, many people of the new Empire enthusiastically supported the vision outlined in the Declaration of a New Order, largely due to the violence that had plagued the galaxy for so long. Many senators wholeheartedly supported the new government.

But the Empire's policy became increasingly despotic in nature. Non-Humans and women were excluded from much of this New Order, and atrocities committed by powerful regional governors became common. Peaceful demonstrations were organized against the Empire's policies throughout the galaxy.

The Massacre
A group of activists were protesting Imperial taxation on the planet Ghorman in the Sern Sector. Wilhuff Tarkin's vessel was blocked by peaceful protestors who stood on the ship's landing pad and refused to move. With implied permission from Palpatine, Tarkin landed the ship anyway, right on the protestors, injuring and killing hundreds. An overwhelming majority were killed instantly. A lucky few escaped the ordeal with their lives, but sustained severe injuries, some later resulting in death.

Aftermath
Tarkin was promoted to the position of Admiral as a result of the massacre. The members of the former Delegation of 2,000 were prompted by the tragedy to begin plotting open rebellion against the Empire, culminating in the formation of the Alliance to Restore the Republic some seventeen years later.

The massacre was commemorated every year on its anniversary by citizens throughout the galaxy.

The Alliance later named a Corellian gunship, the Ghorman's Honor, after the massacre's victims.

Behind the scenes

 * The Ghorman massacre could be based on the Sharpeville Massacre during the apartheid era, in which South African police massacred protesting Africans.

Appearances

 * The Hutt Gambit
 * The Princess Leia Diaries
 * The Farlander Papers
 * Star Wars: Rebellion
 * Jedi Search
 * Dark Apprentice