Israel to allow deported Palestinians to return home News
Israel to allow deported Palestinians to return home

[JURIST] Israeli officials Saturday announced plans to repatriate more than 55 Palestinians accused of terror activities who had been deported to the Gaza Strip and Europe during the Palestinian uprising. The announcement follows a Tuesday truce agreement [JURIST report] between Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon [official website; English version] and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas [Wikipedia profile] that ended four years of fighting in the region. While no timetable for the deportees return was announced, Raanan Gissin, an advisor to Sharon, issued a promise that they will not be arrested upon return. Palestinian and Israeli officials are also expected to meet Saturday evening to discuss Israel's planned handover of five West Bank towns, an easing of restrictions on Palestinian travel, and security issues. AP has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Laws of Burgos put into effect

The Spanish Crown put the Laws of Burgos into effect on December 27, 1512. These laws governed the relationship of Spanish settlers with the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean. The laws established the encomienda system of labor, promoted conversion to Catholicism, and safeguarded the indigenous peoples from physical abuse.  However, historians argue that the laws were ineffective at protecting the rights of the indigenous population. Learn more from the Library of Congress.

Prohibitionist Carrie Nation carried out her first public bar smashing

On December 27, 1900, militant Prohibitionist Carrie Nation carried out her first public smashing of a bar, at the Carey Hotel in Wichita, Kansas. Nation argued that destroying bars was an acceptable means of battling the liquor trade since the Kansas Constitution prohibited alcohol. Learn more about Carrie Nation.

World Bank created

On December 27, 1944, the World Bank was created during the United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, USA. Learn more about the history of the World Bank.