Lebanon arrests 3 former security chiefs in Hariri murder probe News
Lebanon arrests 3 former security chiefs in Hariri murder probe

[JURIST] Lebanon [JURIST news archive] has arrested three former pro-Syrian security chiefs, and the head of the presidential guard Mustafa Hamdan turned himself into authorities after an arrest warrant was issued for him in connection with the killing of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri [Wikipedia profile], sources said Tuesday. The four men were brought before the UN commission investigating the killing, while several others were arrested and another warrant was issued for pro-Syrian MP Nasser Qandil. The flurry of arrests and warrants are the first major break in a six-month investigation into the massive bombing that killed the former premier and left the country shaken. The news comes shortly after Syria was criticized for failing to cooperate with the UN investigation [JURIST report] led by German prosecutor Detlev Mehlis. Syria [JURIST news archive], which has long held significant influence on Lebanon, has since pledged support for the investigation [JURIST report] and reiterated claims that it was not involved in the bombing. The Arabic News has local coverage. AFP has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Laws of Burgos put into effect

The Spanish Crown put the Laws of Burgos into effect on December 27, 1512. These laws governed the relationship of Spanish settlers with the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean. The laws established the encomienda system of labor, promoted conversion to Catholicism, and safeguarded the indigenous peoples from physical abuse.  However, historians argue that the laws were ineffective at protecting the rights of the indigenous population. Learn more from the Library of Congress.

Prohibitionist Carrie Nation carried out her first public bar smashing

On December 27, 1900, militant Prohibitionist Carrie Nation carried out her first public smashing of a bar, at the Carey Hotel in Wichita, Kansas. Nation argued that destroying bars was an acceptable means of battling the liquor trade since the Kansas Constitution prohibited alcohol. Learn more about Carrie Nation.

World Bank created

On December 27, 1944, the World Bank was created during the United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, USA. Learn more about the history of the World Bank.