Statistics show large increase in religious hate crimes in UK since London bombings News
Statistics show large increase in religious hate crimes in UK since London bombings

[JURIST] The London Metropolitan Police [official website] said Tuesday that since the July 7 bombings [JURIST report], religious hate crimes have increased almost six times from a year ago during the same period. Reported incidents increased from 40 last year to 269 this year, largely consisting of abuse, minor assaults, and property damage. The first three days after the bombings saw 68 incidents, compared with none for the same dates in 2004. UK Muslim groups are urging members to be careful [JURIST report] and a once-failed religious hatred law will soon be taken up by the House of Lords [JURIST report]. The Financial Times 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.