China court sentences two Tibetans to death for role in Lhasa riots News
China court sentences two Tibetans to death for role in Lhasa riots

[JURIST] The Lhasa Municipal Intermediate People's Court in China sentenced two Tibetans to death on Wednesday for their involvement in the March 2008 Lhasa riots [advocacy backgrounder; JURIST news archive]. The two men were found guilty [Xinhua report] of starting fires that led to several deaths. Three other men received delayed death sentences or life imprisonment for their roles in the riots. Together the five men started fires that caused the deaths of seven people and damaged five places of business. This is the first time death sentences have been imposed in relation to the riots. Chinese media is reporting that 76 people have been sentenced [AP report] and more than 950 are being detained for their involvement in the demonstration.

Last month, Human Rights Watch (HRW) [advocacy website] accused [JURIST report] the Chinese government of failing to account for all of the individual that were arrested, detained and on trial as a result of their involvement in the demonstrations. In February, Tibet regional People's Congress announced [JURIST report] that Tibetan courts had convicted 76 people involved in the riots. In November 2008, the UN Committee Against Torture [official website] recommended [press release; JURIST report] that China ensure prompt access to an independent lawyer, independent medical care, and the right to lodge confidential complaints for all persons detained in connection with the March 2008 riots.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Pope Urban II sparks First Crusade

Pope Urban II threw his support behind what would become the First Crusade on November 27, 1095 during the Council of Clairmont. The Pope urged the council's participants to render aid to the Byzantine Empire, which was being attacked by the Seljuks. Pope Urban called for a wide coalition of rich and poor to combat the threat, which eventually resulted in the conquest of much of the Muslim-controlled Levant by the Crusaders and the establishment of the Crusader States. Read Pope Urban's address.  

Catholic Code of Canon Law revised

On November 27, 1983, the revised Code of Canon Law of the Roman Catholic Church went into effect. Learn more about the history of Canon Law from Professor Kenneth Pennington of the Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law.

Alfred Nobel creates Nobel Prize in his will

On November 27, 1895, Alfred Nobel signed his will, creating the Nobel Prize. Learn more about the history of the Nobel Prize and the Nobel Commission.