Captive Saddam aides launch hunger strike, citing no access to counsel News
Captive Saddam aides launch hunger strike, citing no access to counsel

[JURIST] Several of Saddam Hussein's old lieutenants, including former deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz, have gone on a hunger strike on the eve of the one-year anniversary of Saddam's capture by US forces to protest their "illegal detention" and their lack of access to defense counsel, according to Aziz attorney Aref Badia. The men, held by the US at an undisclosed location, are also concerned that they may be placed in the hands of Iraqis following the country's election on January 30. US military sources say that Hussein himself is not refusing food, and that his former aides are taking snacks, even if they are refusing meals. Reuters has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

South Africa becomes first country on continent to legalize same-sex marriage

Same-sex marriages became legal in South Africa on November 30, 2006 as the country's Civil Union Act, 2006 went into effect, making South Africa the only country on the African continent to legalize same-sex marriage. Read the Civil Union Act, 2006.