Afghan hostage-takers focus on release of 26 prisoners News
Afghan hostage-takers focus on release of 26 prisoners

[JURIST] The Taliban-related group holding 3 UN workers hostage in Afghanistan has agreed to forego other demands relating to their release in exchange for the release of 26 prisoners, some believed to be held at Guantanamo Bay. A list was given to Afghan officials Sunday and the group has given the government until Tuesday to comply. The UN has declined to comment but a spokesperson for the captors has suggested that a deal could be brokered following Sunday's negotiations. Reuters has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Charlemagne crowned Holy Roman Emporer

On December 25, 800 A.D., Charlemagne was crowned Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Leo III in Rome, Italy. During his lifetime, Charlemagne united most of Western Europe for the first time since the fall of the Western Roman Empire. He is credited with spreading the rule of law throughout his dominions as well as starting the French and German monarchies.

President Andrew Johnson pardoned Confederates

On December 25, 1868, President Andrew Johnson granted an unconditional pardon to all who had been involved in "insurrection or rebellion" during the US Civil War.