Yukos owner sues Russia over sale of production arm News
Yukos owner sues Russia over sale of production arm

[JURIST] Menatep [corporate website], the majority shareholder of Russian oil company Yukos [corporate website; JURIST Hot Topic news archive], has sued the Russian government for over $28 billion, saying the government's sale of Yukos' production arm Yugansk was illegal. The government seized and sold Yugansk last year [JURIST report] in order to offset Yukos' $27 billion back tax bill. Menatep alleges that the government's action are contrary to the 1994 Energy Charter Treaty [PDF text], which regulates disagreements over energy investments. BBC News has more. MosNews has local coverage.

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.