Swiss decision to extradite ex-nuclear minister to US triggers row with Russia News
Swiss decision to extradite ex-nuclear minister to US triggers row with Russia

[JURIST] Russia [JURIST news archive] cautioned Switzerland on Wednesday that the countries' bilateral ties would be harmed by the Swiss decision to extradite former Russian atomic energy minister Yevgeny Adamov [Kommersant backgrounder] to the US. Switzerland's Ministry of Justice [official website, in German] ruled earlier this week that Adamov must faces charges in the US prior to being returned to Russia. Russia had sought to try Adamov on charges that he diverted up to $9 million in nuclear security funds earmarked for Russia to private projects over fears Adamov would divulge nuclear secrets. Russian Justice Minister Yuri Chaika says that the US is unlikely to hand over Adamov [RBC News report] for trial for an extended period of time. The Russian Foreign Ministry [official website, English version] reportedly summoned the Swiss envoy [Interfax report] and told him that the extradition decision was "unjust" and warned that it would affect the two nations' relations. Adamov was arrested in May [JURIST report] while visiting his daughter in Switzerland, and has been held [JURIST report] in the country since. AP 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.