ICC launches Darfur investigation News
ICC launches Darfur investigation

[JURIST] The International Criminal Court [official website] announced [press release] Monday the opening of its investigation into reports of war crimes in the Darfur region of Sudan after the UN Security Council referred the Darfur situation [JURIST report] to it earlier thus year and UN investigators passed along a list of 51 possible suspects [JURIST report]. In an effort to expedite the trials ICC investigators are focusing their attention on only the most serious criminals, a group that may include rebels, militiamen and even government leaders. Sudan has expressed reluctance to cooperate in the effort and claims to be setting up its own tribunal [JURIST report]. AP 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.