Hundreds detained in Egypt parliamentary election runoff News
Hundreds detained in Egypt parliamentary election runoff

[JURIST] Hundreds of supporters of the banned Muslim Brotherhood [Wikipedia backgrounder] complained of unwarranted arrests Saturday during the runoff for the second round of Egyptian parliamentary elections [JURIST news archive], alleging that at least 270 were detained outside of polling stations in Alexandria, the Nile Delta and Qena. The Muslim Brotherhood has been outlawed for more than 50 years in Egypt, but has maintained a strong presence in the political process with 47 independent candidates endorsed by the Brotherhood winning parliamentary seats during the vote's first round. Police officials have confirmed 140 arrests, while the ruling National Democratic Party [official website, English version] justified the detentions and accused the Brotherhood members of intimidating voters. More than 200 people were detained when second round voting began last weekend [JURIST report]. AP has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Charlemagne crowned Holy Roman Emporer

On December 25, 800 A.D., Charlemagne was crowned Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Leo III in Rome, Italy. During his lifetime, Charlemagne united most of Western Europe for the first time since the fall of the Western Roman Empire. He is credited with spreading the rule of law throughout his dominions as well as starting the French and German monarchies.

President Andrew Johnson pardoned Confederates

On December 25, 1868, President Andrew Johnson granted an unconditional pardon to all who had been involved in "insurrection or rebellion" during the US Civil War.