International brief ~ Hyundai chairman indicted in South Korea News
International brief ~ Hyundai chairman indicted in South Korea

[JURIST] Leading Tuesday's international brief, South Korea's Supreme Public Prosecutor's Office [official website] confirmed that Hyundai Chairman Chung Mong-koo [Wikipedia profile] has been indicted on charges of embezzling company funds and allegedly using secret accounts to bribe politicians. Chung was arrested [JURIST report] last month and, if convicted, faces life imprisonment. Kia Motors chairman Chung Eui-sun and Hyundai Motor vice chairman Kim Dong-jin have also been investigated and prosecutors have confirmed that they face possible charges as well. Prosecutors are attempting to trace the funds and any possible connections to abuse of office of public officials. JURIST's Paper Chase has continuing coverage of South Korea [JURIST news archive]. Chosun Ilbo has local coverage. Reuters has more.

In other international legal news …

  • Nepal Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula told reporters that the official announcement of the new power structure for the Nepalese monarchy will be released on Thursday. The announcement was made in response to ongoing protests [Reuters report] by Nepalese citizens after the cabinet announced it was delaying the proclamation until the full executive branch had a chance to review the document. The cabinet is expected to drastically curtail the power of King Gyanendra [official profile], removing his control of the army and making his position ceremonial. JURIST's Paper Chase has continuing coverage of Nepal [JURIST news archive]. eKantipur.com has local coverage.
  • Jenni Williams, leading Zimbabwe human rights activist and head of the Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) organization [advocacy website], has alleged that a Bulawayo police official has threatened her with death if she organizes any more protests against current Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe [BBC profile]. WOZA has organized several protests against Mugabe's policies and most of its members are routinely arrested during the events. The threat on Williams' life reportedly occurred as she was being released following her latest arrest for a protest in Bulawayo. Police officials said they have not yet received a complaint, but members of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights said that they are gathering information on Williams' behalf in preparation for submitting a report to police officials. JURIST's Paper Chase has continuing coverage of Zimbabwe [JURIST news archive]. ZimOnline has local coverage.
THIS DAY @ LAW

Mayflower Compact signed

On November 11, 1620, 41 Pilgrims signed the Mayflower Compact, creating a civil government for Plymouth Colony.

Armistice signed, ending WWI

On November 11, 1918 at 11:00 AM, the Allied Powers signed an armistice with Germany, ending World War I. Armistice Day is marked every year in Europe on the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month" with two minutes of silence.

Indictments announced in Lockerbie bombing

On November 11, 1991, prosecutors from the United States and the United Kingdom announced their indictments in the bombing of a passenger airplane over Lockerbie, Scotland. A Scottish court convicted Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi, allegedly a former Libyan intelligence official, of the 270 murders in 2001. Read documents from the Lockerbie bombing trial.