Armenian constitution change headed for easy approval despite fraud problems News
Armenian constitution change headed for easy approval despite fraud problems

[JURIST] Armenian electoral officials report that nearly 64 percent of registered voters in the former Soviet republic turned out Sunday to give overwhelming support to a referendum to change the country's constitution [JURIST report] and impose stricter separation of powers between judicial, executive and legislative branches, and allow citizens to obtain dual citizenship. The measures are said to have been approved by some 93% of electors. The Council of Europe nonetheless reported allegations of "serious election abuses" [COE press release; RFE report] such as fraud and the stuffing of ballot boxes, and leaders of the opposition party National Democratic Union described the referendum as a "new stage in Armenian electoral manipulation" [RFE report]. In order to pass, at least one-third of Armenia's eligible voters must approve the measure by at least 50 percent. Armenia Liberty, an advocacy group, has updated coverage.

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.