UN human rights representatives call off visit to Guantanamo News
UN human rights representatives call off visit to Guantanamo

[JURIST] United Nations [official website] human rights representatives Friday rejected an offer to visit the US prison camp in Guantanamo Bay [JURIST news archive] after US officials formally refused their demand for unconditional access to the detainees [JURIST report] earlier this week. The envoys from the UN Commission on Human Rights [official website]had wanted free access [JURIST report] to interview the 500 prisoners currently being held. They released a statement [text] saying, "We deeply regret that the United States government did not accept the standard terms of reference for a credible, objective and fair assessment of the situation of the detainees. Under the circumstances, we will not be traveling to Guantanamo Bay naval station." Reuters has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Hitler and Nazis attempt failed coup in Beer Hall Putsch

Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party attempted an ill-faited coup in Munich, Germany on November 8, 1923. Instead of seizing power, the conspirators suffered 15 casualties and their leaders were arrested, including Hitler. The future dictator would spend a year in prison as a result, where he would write his infamous Mein Kampf. Learn more about the Beer Hall Putsch.

Oregon legalized physician-assisted suicide

On November 8, 1994, Oregon passed the Death With Dignity Act by voter initiative, becoming the first US state to legalize physician-assisted suicide. Read the Death With Dignity Act,

France government opens the Louvre as a public museum

On November 8, 1793, the revolutionary government in France opened the Louvre for the first time as a public museum. Learn more about the history of the Louvre.