Nigeria denies accusations of torture by rights group News
Nigeria denies accusations of torture by rights group

[JURIST] US-based rights group Human Rights Watch [advocacy website] has issued a new report [text] detailing accusations of police torture in Nigeria [press release]. Nigeria responded with a sharp denial, saying in a statement that "[We] can say without fear of contradiction that torture is not routinely practiced in Nigeria". Nigerian officials further said that any reported abuse is investigated and security forces are being reformed to improve human rights conditions. AP has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Pope Urban II sparks First Crusade

Pope Urban II threw his support behind what would become the First Crusade on November 27, 1095 during the Council of Clairmont. The Pope urged the council's participants to render aid to the Byzantine Empire, which was being attacked by the Seljuks. Pope Urban called for a wide coalition of rich and poor to combat the threat, which eventually resulted in the conquest of much of the Muslim-controlled Levant by the Crusaders and the establishment of the Crusader States. Read Pope Urban's address.  

Catholic Code of Canon Law revised

On November 27, 1983, the revised Code of Canon Law of the Roman Catholic Church went into effect. Learn more about the history of Canon Law from Professor Kenneth Pennington of the Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law.

Alfred Nobel creates Nobel Prize in his will

On November 27, 1895, Alfred Nobel signed his will, creating the Nobel Prize. Learn more about the history of the Nobel Prize and the Nobel Commission.