US terrorism suspect pleads not guilty to bombings conspiracy charge News
US terrorism suspect pleads not guilty to bombings conspiracy charge

[JURIST] Suspected terrorist Najibullah Zazi pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges of conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction. Prosecutors from the US Department of Justice (DOJ) [official website] have said [LAT report] that they have significant information to use against Zazi, while his lawyer has countered that the prosecution cannot prove Zazi's guilt unless they identify the other conspirators. At Tuesday's hearing in the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York [official website], Zazi was denied bail and ordered to remain in jail until his December 3 court date.

Zazi was indicted [indictment, PDF; JURIST report] last week with conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction, and could could face up to life in prison if convicted. Zazi, a native of Afghanistan, was arrested [BBC report] by FBI agents earlier this month in Colorado. He was originally charged with making false statements to the FBI, but those charges were dropped in light of the new charge. Zazi's father, Mohammed Zazi, and a third man, Ahmad Wais Afzali, were also arrested. Mohammed Zazi and Afzali have both been released on bail.

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.