Violence continues in Sudan after Garang death News
Violence continues in Sudan after Garang death

[JURIST] After at least 36 people were killed in riots [JURIST report] Monday, violence continued in Khartoum, Sudan on Tuesday in response to the death of former rebel leader John Garang [Wikipedia profile, who helped broker a peace deal and became vice president. Garang was the highest ranking official in the Sudanese government to ever come from the southern province or claim to be Christian, and news of his death prompted anti-Muslim attacks. Southerners feel threatened by perceived discrimination from the north and worry that Garang's death will leave them weakened. Salva Kiir, Garang's deputy, is expected to succeed him. Reuters 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.