A compression latch comprises a latch housing with a driving end and a driven end and with a drive shaft which is rotatably supported between these ends and which has a driving device such as a socket wrench receptacle or gearing at the driving end of the latch housing. The latch housing, at the driven end, forms an annular surface around the axis of the drive shaft. According to the invention, the drive shaft has, at the driven end of the latch housing, a bearing journal whose axis has an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the axis of the drive shaft, and the base of a rotary latch is supported on the bearing journal, this base (30) forming an annular surface around the axis of the bearing journal, and two annular surfaces roll on one another by frictional engagement or positive engagement when the drive shaft is rotated.