South Africa judge dismisses Zuma corruption charges News
South Africa judge dismisses Zuma corruption charges

[JURIST] The much-anticipated trial of former South African Deputy President Jacob Zuma [party profile] ended abruptly Wednesday, when the high court judge presiding over the case threw out the corruption charges [JURIST report] against Zuma, saying prosecutors had failed to follow proper procedures. Prosecutors still retain the right to refile the charges against Zuma at a later date, as the judge did dismiss the entire case, which has already been postponed twice [JURIST report].

Zuma, who remains deputy president of South Africa's ruling African National Congress [party website], has indicated repeatedly that he intends to run against South African President Thabo Mbeki [BBC profile] in the 2009 presidential election, and observers have suggested that Wednesday's ruling helps his chances in that vote. Reuters has more. From South Africa, the Mail & Guardian has local coverage.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Indian National Congress founded

The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded on December 28, 1885 in Bombay (now Mumbai), India. In subsequent decades, the so-called Congress Party would advocate for Indian independence from the UK, which was eventually achieved in 1947. The first Prime Minister of independent India, Jawaharlal Nehru, was elected as a member of the INC. Learn more about the history and founding of the Indian National Congress.

Congress recognized Pledge of Allegiance

On December 28, 1945, Congress officially recognized the Pledge of Allegiance and encouraged its recitation in schools. The Pledge was supposedly written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy, a Baptist minister, to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Columbus Day. The words “under God” were added by Congress in 1954. The revised version of the Pledge was the subject of litigation before the United States Supreme Court originally brought by Michael Newdow, a parent who unsuccessfully objected to his daughter's school district policy requiring daily recitation of the Pledge. The court ruled that Newdow had no standing.

Nepal ends monarchy, establishes republic

On December 28, 2007, the Kingdom of Nepal's interim parliament ended the country's monarchy and established the Republic of Nepal. Free elections were held on April 10 of the following year to elect a Constituent Assembly.

Learn more about the rise of democracy in Nepal.