French peacekeepers open inquiry into sex abuse in Ivory Coast News
French peacekeepers open inquiry into sex abuse in Ivory Coast

[JURIST] The French peacekeeping force in Ivory Coast has opened an investigation into allegations that four of its soldiers sexually abused a young girl in the rebel-controlled north. These are the first allegations of sexual abuse to be made against French forces since they were deployed in the country shortly after a civil war began in September 2002 [overview]. The allegations have fuelled growing anti-French sentiments in Ivory Coast, where last November French forces crippled Ivory Coast's small air force [JURIST report] after nine French peacekeepers were killed in a bombing raid. Reuters 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.