Federal judge says Bush plot suspect can be examined for signs of torture News
Federal judge says Bush plot suspect can be examined for signs of torture

[JURIST] US District Judge Gerald Bruce Lee ruled Wednesday that Ahmed Abu Ali, the man charged with plotting to assassinate President Bush [JURIST report], can be examined by doctors to determine whether there is any evidence that Abu Ali was tortured while being held in Saudi Arabia. Abu Ali has pleaded not guilty [JURIST report] to charges [DOJ indictment, PDF] that he conspired to and did provide material support and resources to al Qaeda. Abu Ali has claimed that he was tortured during his detention in Saudi Arabia, and Judge Lee said Wednesday that Abu Ali must inform the court by April 25 if he plans to introduce evidence of torture as part of pre-trial motions or during the trial. Reuters 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.