Russia opens fraud investigation against former PM News
Russia opens fraud investigation against former PM

[JURIST] Fomer Russian prime minister Mikhail Kasyanov [MosNews profile] is being investigated by Russia's Prosecutor General for fraud and abuse of trust, according to Russian media reports Monday. Kasyanov is suspected of buying a $100 million country home and another real estate parcel at a fraction of their cost. He said he is "ready to provide every assistance to the investigation" [Itar-Tass report] and denied acquiring property fraudulently [RIA Novosti report]. The investigation was launched in response to allegations by member of the Duma [MosNews report], Russia's lower house. If Kasyanov is charged, he would be the highest-ranking Russian government official to go on trial since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Kasyanov is considering running for president when Vladimir Putin's term expires in 2008. Bloomberg has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

International Day Against Fascism and Anti-Semitism

November 9 is the International Day Against Fascism and Anti-Semitism [UNITED factsheet]. On November 9, 1924, American gay activist Henry Gerber and several associates formed the Society for Human Rights, the first gay rights organization in the United States. The Society received a charter from the State of Illinois in December but was disbanded in July 1925 after a police raid which led to Gerber's arrest and trial (albeit not conviction). Pay a virtual visit to Henry Gerber House, now a registered Chicago landmark.

Supreme Court strikes down Massachusetts anti-draft law

On November 9, 1970, the Supreme Court voted 6-3 in Massachusetts v. Laird not to hear the case of the state's anti-draft law. Massachusetts had passed a law, which allowed its citizens to decline to fight in any undeclared war, even if the person was drafted. The law was passed in opposition to the draft and the war in Vietnam. The First Circuit found the war constitutional and thus struck down the law.