20 soldiers face court-martial for role in failed Philippines plot News
20 soldiers face court-martial for role in failed Philippines plot

[JURIST] The Philippines Army said Thursday that it would recommend court-martial for 20 soldiers in connection with last month's failed coup attempt [JURIST report] against Philippines President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo [official website; JURIST news archive], including Brigadier General Danilo Lim. The army is continuing to investigate [JURIST report] the actions of more than 100 other soldiers who may have been part of the plan.

The Philippine Justice Department [official website] has also filed charges [JURIST report] against a congressman for his alleged role in the coup attempt and similar arrests may follow. AP has more. The Philippine Star has local 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.