Human rights group sues two former Somali officials living in US News
Human rights group sues two former Somali officials living in US

[JURIST] A human rights group has sued two former high-ranking Somali officials currently living in the US, alleging that the two took part in torture and killings in their home country during the 1980s. San Francisco-based Center for Justice and Accountability filed suit Wednesday against Mohamed Ali Samatar, a former defense and prime minister in Somalia, and Yusuf Abdi Ali, a former military commander, both of whom are living in Virginia. The lawsuit was brought on behalf of eight Somalis now living in the US who claim they were victims of the two former leaders. The suit is part of an increasing trend of private groups seeking accountability of former leaders implicated in human rights abuses who have obtained refuge in the US. Read the complaints (Ali Samatar [PDF] and Abdi Ali [PDF]). CJA has more on its case against Ali Samatar and Abdi Ali. The Washington Post has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

38 Santee Sioux hanged by US for rebellion

On December 26, 1862, 38 Santee Sioux men were hanged in a mass execution for their roles in a rebellion against US authorities in Minnesota which left hundreds dead and made refugees of some 40,000 white settlers. Government annuities promised under a treaty with the Sioux had failed to arrive on schedule and credit for purchases was not advanced in the meantime, threatening the tribe with starvation. The Santee Sioux Tribe's members were deported first to South Dakota and ultimately to Nebraska, where they remain today. Learn more about the 1862 Minnesota Sioux Rebellion.

Louis XVI put on trial during French Revolution

On December 26, 1792, Romain de Sèze, a defense attorney for deposed King Louis XVI, presented a defense of his client. The former King was on trial before a French Revolutionary court on thirty-three charges, including treason and other crimes against the state. He was convicted on January 15, 1793 executed by guillotine on the following January 21.