UN Security Council vote on Sudan war crimes tribunal delayed News
UN Security Council vote on Sudan war crimes tribunal delayed

[JURIST] The UN Security Council vote on whether to refer war crimes in the Darfur region of Sudan has been delayed after a US request, UN representatives said Wednesday. A vote had been expected on a French resolution that would refer war crimes trials to the International Criminal Court [official website], but the US said it wanted to suggest several changes. France agreed to delay the vote until Thursday at the earliest. The US has opposed France's resolution and has sought exemption for some US nationals from prosecution. A US veto of the resolution would likely be frowned upon, however, since the US sought to have the Darfur atrocities referred to the Security Council. The Security Council voted on Tuesday to impose sanctions [Reuters report] on Sudan, a move opposed [JURIST report] by the Sudanese government. AFP 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.