Macedonia clears way for minority rights after repeal referendum fails News
Macedonia clears way for minority rights after repeal referendum fails

[JURIST] A referendum in Macedonia designed to block a law that gave its Albanian minority greater rights has failed due to a low turnout. The law, already passed by the Macedonian parliament, redraws local boundaries in the former Yugoslav Republic, and gives the 25% Albanian minority more say over schools, health care policy and jobs. Proponents of the bill view its implementation as crucial to securing Macedonia's NATO and European Union membership. BBC has more. JURIST has more information on Macedonia here.

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.