Obama administration begins review of Guantanamo Bay detainees News
Obama administration begins review of Guantanamo Bay detainees

[JURIST] An Obama administration official said Friday that a review of detainees, the first step in closing the prison at Guantanamo Bay [JURIST news archive], has begun [Los Angeles Times report]. US President Barack Obama [official website] issued the executive order [text] last month that initiated the review process. The order called for the review to be conducted by a "Special Task Force on Detainee Disposition," which includes US Attorney General Eric Holder [official profile] and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates [official profile] as co-chairs. The review is intended to determine the options available in regards to the prosecution, transfer, or other dispositions of detainees, along with providing an assessment of detention policies.

On the same day as the executive order for review, Obama issued the executive order [text; JURIST report] directing that the military prison be closed "as soon as practicable, and no later than 1 year from the date of this order." The order also instructed Gates immediately to halt military commission [DOD materials; JURIST news archive] proceedings pending a comprehensive review of all Guantanamo detentions under the supervision of the Attorney General. The order did not specify where detainees would go upon release, but it did call for diplomatic efforts with foreign states in order to facilitate the closure of the facility.

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.