Third prosecutor joined criticism of Guantanamo trials, transferred out News
Third prosecutor joined criticism of Guantanamo trials, transferred out

[JURIST] A third US military prosecutor asked for a transfer from the Guantanamo military tribunals in March 2004 after voicing complaints about their fairness, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. ABC previously reported on emails in which two other military prosecutors called the tribunals "rigged" and "a fraud" [JURIST report]. Both those officers also requested transfers and were re-assigned. A US Air Force judge advocate-general said "personality conflicts" created "misunderstandings" leading to the departure of Captain Carrie Wolf, but also promised a thorough investigation into the allegations. The complaints from prosecutors have not yet shaken the Australian government's faith in the Guantanamo legal process [JURIST report] and it is still backing a military tribunal for Australian David Hicks [Wikipedia profile], who is being held at Guantanamo after being captured in Afghanistan. ABC Australia 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.