Former deputy PM of India charged with inciting mosque destruction News
Former deputy PM of India charged with inciting mosque destruction

[JURIST] Lal Krishna Advani [Wikipedia profile], former deputy Prime Minister of India, was charged along with seven Hindu leaders on Thursday with inciting a mob to destroy a mosque in Ayodhya in 1992. The destruction sparked riots that killed at least 2,000 people. Opponents called the charges "politically motivated" [Press Trust of India report] and also called for a permanent replacement temple to be constructed [Press Trust of India report]. The new charges came after Advani had criticized the Indian government for repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act [JURIST report], which he claimed might have prevented the attack. He was previously charged in connection with destroying the mosque in 2003 but the case was dismissed. AFP 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.