EU threatens to suspend Serbia membership talks over Mladic case News
EU threatens to suspend Serbia membership talks over Mladic case

[JURIST] EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn said Thursday that the European Union [official website] will suspend membership negotiations with Serbia if it did not fully cooperate in seeking the arrest of war crimes fugitive Ratko Mladic [ICTY case backgrounder; BBC profile]. Mladic faces charges [indictment text] brought by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia [official website] of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes in connection with the execution of over 7,000 Muslim prisoners and civilians. Serbian officials responded Thursday by making assurances [AP report] that every effort was being made to bring Mladic into custody.

Earlier this week, Serbian officials denied reports [JURIST report] that Mladic had already been arrested and ICTY officials said Wednesday that he is still at large [JURIST report]. Despite the denials, an anonymous official has told the Associated Press that the Serbian government has contacted Mladic and is negotiating his surrender. 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.