Former Russian Gitmo detainees prepare suit against US News
Former Russian Gitmo detainees prepare suit against US

[JURIST] Eight Russians previously held at Guantanamo Bay [JURIST news archive] are planning to sue the US for illegally detaining them, a Russian radio station reported Thursday. Among the eight, Airat Vakhitov has been the most vocal, working with rights activists in Moscow, writing a book on his experience at Guantanamo, and filing a previous lawsuit [JURIST report] himself against the US. Vakhitov and another of the former detainees involved in the lawsuit were arrested [JURIST report] by Russian authorities last month and held on suspicion of terrorist activity. The two were released [JURIST report] several days later, but still face possible charges. All eight involved in the potential suit were captured by US forces in Afghanistan in 2002 and were held at Guantanamo until 2004. Mosnews has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

38 Santee Sioux hanged by US for rebellion

On December 26, 1862, 38 Santee Sioux men were hanged in a mass execution for their roles in a rebellion against US authorities in Minnesota which left hundreds dead and made refugees of some 40,000 white settlers. Government annuities promised under a treaty with the Sioux had failed to arrive on schedule and credit for purchases was not advanced in the meantime, threatening the tribe with starvation. The Santee Sioux Tribe's members were deported first to South Dakota and ultimately to Nebraska, where they remain today. Learn more about the 1862 Minnesota Sioux Rebellion.

Louis XVI put on trial during French Revolution

On December 26, 1792, Romain de Sèze, a defense attorney for deposed King Louis XVI, presented a defense of his client. The former King was on trial before a French Revolutionary court on thirty-three charges, including treason and other crimes against the state. He was convicted on January 15, 1793 executed by guillotine on the following January 21.