Abu Ghraib warden supports defense claims with dog-use testimony News
Abu Ghraib warden supports defense claims with dog-use testimony

[JURIST] The former warden of Abu Ghraib prison [JURIST news archive], Maj. David Dinenna, testified at a preliminary hearing on Wednesday for two Army dog handlers accused of using the animals to abuse detainees [JURIST report] that the US Department of Defense sent trainers to the prison to teach soldiers how to use dogs in interrogations. His testimony bolstered defense claims by the two soldiers that their actions were in response to official orders and not unauthorized, isolated incidents. A ruling on how to proceed with the case is expected to come within two weeks. AP has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Indian National Congress founded

The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded on December 28, 1885 in Bombay (now Mumbai), India. In subsequent decades, the so-called Congress Party would advocate for Indian independence from the UK, which was eventually achieved in 1947. The first Prime Minister of independent India, Jawaharlal Nehru, was elected as a member of the INC. Learn more about the history and founding of the Indian National Congress.

Congress recognized Pledge of Allegiance

On December 28, 1945, Congress officially recognized the Pledge of Allegiance and encouraged its recitation in schools. The Pledge was supposedly written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy, a Baptist minister, to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Columbus Day. The words “under God” were added by Congress in 1954. The revised version of the Pledge was the subject of litigation before the United States Supreme Court originally brought by Michael Newdow, a parent who unsuccessfully objected to his daughter's school district policy requiring daily recitation of the Pledge. The court ruled that Newdow had no standing.

Nepal ends monarchy, establishes republic

On December 28, 2007, the Kingdom of Nepal's interim parliament ended the country's monarchy and established the Republic of Nepal. Free elections were held on April 10 of the following year to elect a Constituent Assembly.

Learn more about the rise of democracy in Nepal.