East Timor leader criticized for suggesting rights violations report be withheld News
East Timor leader criticized for suggesting rights violations report be withheld

[JURIST] Indonesian human rights groups have denounced the suggestion of East Timor President Xanana Gusmao [BBC profile] that a report from the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation [official website], which is investigating East Timor's past human rights violations, should be kept under wraps. Gusmao said Monday that the commission's recommendations could be used to "manipulate our people's state of mind." The commission was formed specifically to investigate the 1999 violence in East Timor [PBS backgrounder], which left 1,400 dead. East Timor [JURIST news archive; HRW backgrounder] gained full independence from Indonesia in May 2002 after more than two years of UN stewardship. Rights activists have accused Gusmao's decision as a political one being made solely to maintain good ties with Indonesia. AFP 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.