South Carolina senators oppose moving Guantanamo detainees to mainland News
South Carolina senators oppose moving Guantanamo detainees to mainland

[JURIST] South Carolina US senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint [official websites], both Republicans, have angrily criticized a Democrat-sponsored proposal to transfer current prisoners held at the US base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to the state's penal system or facilities in any other US state. Graham claimed the suggestion was a dangerous and emotionally fueled one which ignored the ongoing need for the current offshore military prison to house top terror suspects.

Democrat James Moran (VA – D) [official website] has suggested that the move would be a step towards shutting down the controversial military prison, and would help show the world that America is still dedicated to protecting human rights, even those of suspected terrorists. Moran has proposed South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland as possible destinations for the detainees because of the reputation of the US Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals [official website] as staunchly conservative. From South Carolina, The State 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.