Iran arrests lawyer investigating death of Canadian photojournalist News
Iran arrests lawyer investigating death of Canadian photojournalist

[JURIST] The lawyer representing the family of Iranian-Canadian photographer Zahra Kazemi [CBC backgrounder], who died in Iranian custody in July 2003 amidst allegations of torture and abuse [JURIST report], was arrested over the weekend on charges of spying. Abdolfattah Soltani was leading an effort to reopen an investigation [JURIST report] into Kazemi's death. Iranian courts have so far refused the request, and he is now charged with using his position as a lawyer to obtain and release classified information about Iran's nuclear efforts [Iran Focus report]. The raid on his home was ordered by Tehran Public Prosecutor Saeed Mortazavi, who has himself been implicated in Kazemi's death [JURIST report]. AP 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.