2012 Law & Justice Events — Verified Historical Highlights

2012 Law & Justice Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to

10 Jan Iran sentences American to death: On January 10, 2012, Iran sentenced American citizen Amir Mirzaei Hekmati to death on charges of espionage. Hekmati, a former U.S. Marine, was accused of working for the CIA and attempting to infiltrate Iran's military. The case drew international condemnation and strained relations between the U.S. and Iran. source: en.wikipedia.org
11 Jan Joran van der Sloot Pleads Guilty to Murder: Joran van der Sloot, a notorious criminal previously suspected in the Natalee Holloway disappearance, pleads guilty to the murder of a Peruvian woman.
12 Jan Israeli Supreme Court upholds controversial marriage law: On January 12, 2012, the Israeli Supreme Court upheld a law that allows for the annulment of marriages performed outside the country. This controversial ruling sparked debates about personal freedoms and the rights of individuals in Israel, particularly among those who marry outside the traditional religious framework. source: haaretz.com
17 Jan China Charges Dissident: Chinese authorities charge dissident Zhu Yufu with 'subverting state power', continuing a pattern of suppressing political dissent.
18 Jan Pakistani Prime Minister Faces Supreme Court Contempt Proceedings: Yousuf Raza Gillani, Pakistan's Prime Minister, appeared before the Supreme Court to address contempt proceedings that could potentially result in his disqualification from holding public office.
19 Jan Megaupload shutdown by FBI: On January 19, 2012, the FBI shut down Megaupload, a popular file-sharing website, and charged its founder, Kim Dotcom, with various offenses, including copyright infringement and money laundering. The shutdown disrupted millions of users and sparked debates over internet privacy and copyright enforcement. source: theverge.com
20 Jan Blasphemy Charge in Indonesia: An Indonesian man was charged with blasphemy after claiming on Facebook that God does not exist, highlighting ongoing tensions between religious freedom and religious sensitivities.
24 Jan Baltasar Garzon's Legal Trial: Renowned Spanish judge Baltasar Garzon, famous for indicting Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet in 1998, was put on trial for allegedly overstepping judicial authority after attempting to investigate the disappearance of 114,000 people during Francisco Franco's regime.
25 Jan UN Ruling on Khmer Rouge Trial: The United Nations determined that a foreign judge can be appointed to the Khmer Rouge trial without Cambodia's explicit support, advancing international judicial processes.
28 Jan British Tabloid Journalists Under Investigation: Detectives investigated payments to police by journalists from 'The Sun' tabloid, leading to the arrest of a police officer and four journalists, including senior editorial staff like Fergus Shanahan and Graham Dudman.
30 Jan Indonesian Court Indicts Papuan Activists: A court in Jayapura, Indonesia, indicted five Papuan activists for declaring independence in October, reflecting ongoing separatist tensions in the region.
31 Jan Teacher Charged with Student Molestation: Los Angeles teacher Mark Berndt is formally charged with sexually molesting 23 elementary school students, triggering a significant legal and educational investigation.
03 Feb Khmer Rouge Prison Camp Leader Sentenced: The Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia increased Kang Kek Iew's (Duch) sentence to life imprisonment for managing the notorious Tuol Sleng prison camps during the Khmer Rouge regime.
06 Feb Alberto Contador receives doping ban: On February 6, 2012, Spanish cyclist Alberto Contador was handed a two-year ban by the Court of Arbitration for Sport after testing positive for clenbuterol during the 2010 Tour de France. The ban resulted in the stripping of his 2010 Tour de France title and his 2011 Giro d'Italia victory. source: bbc.com
09 Feb US military women in combat guidelines updated: On February 9, 2012, the U.S. Department of Defense announced new guidelines allowing women to serve in combat roles. This policy change marked a significant shift in military practices and aimed to enhance gender equality within the armed forces. source: defense.gov
13 Feb Washington Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage: Governor Christine Gregoire signed legislation legalizing same-sex marriage in Washington State, making it the seventh U.S. state to recognize marriage equality.
15 Feb Comayagua prison fire: On February 15, 2012, a devastating fire broke out in the Comayagua prison in Honduras, resulting in the deaths of at least 350 inmates. The fire rapidly engulfed the facility, trapping many prisoners inside their cells. The incident raised serious concerns about prison safety and conditions in Honduras. source: bbc.com
16 Feb Underwear bomber sentenced: On February 16, 2012, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, known as the 'underwear bomber,' was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Abdulmutallab had attempted to detonate explosives on a flight from Amsterdam to Detroit on December 25, 2009, in an effort to kill 289 people. source: cnn.com
17 Feb US Senate Condemns Syrian Crackdown: The United States Senate passes a resolution denouncing the Syrian government's violent suppression of anti-Assad protests, signaling international diplomatic pressure.
20 Feb Gujarat CM Orders Temple Stampede Inquiry: Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Gujarat, initiated an investigation into six deaths that occurred during a stampede at the Bhavnath Hindu temple in Junagadh, emphasizing governmental responsiveness to public safety incidents.
22 Feb Buenos Aires Train Accident: A catastrophic train accident in Buenos Aires, Argentina, resulted in at least 50 fatalities and numerous injuries, causing significant loss of life and highlighting transportation safety concerns.
23 Feb Maryland Approves Same-Sex Marriage: Maryland's State Senate passed a landmark bill to legalize same-sex marriage, marking a significant milestone in LGBTQ+ civil rights in the United States.
24 Feb Maryland Advances Same-Sex Marriage Legislation: The Maryland Senate approved legislation legalizing gay marriage, positioning the state to become the eighth in the United States to recognize same-sex unions, marking a significant milestone in LGBTQ+ rights.
25 Feb Berlusconi Bribery Case Dismissed: The statute of limitations expired, leading to the dismissal of a bribery case against Silvio Berlusconi, the former Prime Minister of Italy. This legal development highlights complexities in Italian political corruption cases.
26 Feb Trayvon Martin Shooting: On February 26, 2012, Trayvon Martin, a 17-year-old African American, was shot and killed in Sanford, Florida, by George Zimmerman. The incident sparked national outrage and became a pivotal moment in discussions about race, gun control, and justice in the United States. It led to widespread protests and the #BlackLivesMatter movement. source: bbc.com
27 Feb WikiLeaks Releases Stratfor Emails: WikiLeaks began disclosing 5 million emails from Stratfor, a private intelligence company, in a significant data leak.
01 Mar Maryland legalizes same-sex marriage: On March 1, 2012, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley signed the Civil Marriage Protection Act into law, legalizing same-sex marriage in the state. The law took effect on January 1, 2013, after being approved by voters in a referendum on November 6, 2012. Maryland became the ninth U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage. source: hrc.org
03 Mar Egypt Appoints Judges for NGO Trial: Egypt appointed new judges to try 43 workers from non-governmental organizations, including six Americans who had previously fled, escalating tensions around international aid organizations.
04 Mar Theft of Saint Laurence O'Toole's Heart: An unusual crime was reported at Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin, where the heart of Saint Laurence O'Toole was stolen, prompting a search for the perpetrator.
05 Mar Shooting Incident in Bucharest: A shooting at a Bucharest hair salon resulted in 6 injuries and 2 fatalities, causing shock and concern in the Romanian capital.
06 Mar School Shooting Tragedy: A tragic incident at Episcopal School of Jacksonville where a gunman shoots and kills the school's headmaster, highlighting ongoing concerns about school safety.
07 Mar Arrest in New Delhi Bombing Investigation: Indian police have arrested a freelance journalist suspected of involvement in a bombing attack in New Delhi that resulted in the death of an Israeli diplomat's spouse.
08 Mar LAPD Detective Convicted of Murder: Stephanie Lazarus, a former Los Angeles Police Department detective, is convicted of a high-profile murder from 1986, highlighting issues of law enforcement accountability.
09 Mar El Salvador Gang Truce: A significant peace negotiation occurs when the Salvadoran government transfers 30 gang leaders to lower security prisons, marking a potential turning point in gang-related violence and conflict resolution. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
11 Mar Pakistan bans Islamist group: On March 11, 2012, Pakistan's Interior Ministry announced a ban on the Islamist group Jamaat-ud-Dawa, citing its alleged links to terrorism and activities threatening national security. source: aljazeera.com
16 Mar Dharun Ravi convicted in Tyler Clementi hate crime case: On March 16, 2012, Dharun Ravi was convicted on multiple counts, including invasion of privacy and bias intimidation, in the case involving the suicide of his roommate, Tyler Clementi. Ravi's actions, which included secretly recording Clementi's intimate encounter and sharing it online, led to widespread discussions on cyberbullying and LGBTQ+ rights. source: nytimes.com
17 Mar Death of Nazi war criminal John Demjanjuk: On March 17, 2012, John Demjanjuk, a former Nazi concentration camp guard, died in Germany at the age of 91. He had been convicted in 2011 for his role in the deaths of 28,000 Jews at the Sobibor extermination camp during World War II. source: bbc.com
19 Mar Court Upholds FDA Tobacco Packaging Regulation: The United States Court of Appeals' Sixth Circuit ruled in favor of the FDA's regulation requiring graphic images on cigarette packaging, rejecting a First Amendment challenge. This decision aims to discourage smoking through visual deterrence.
20 Mar Human rights violations in Myanmar: Reports emerged on March 20, 2012, detailing ongoing human rights violations in Myanmar, particularly against ethnic minorities. The international community expressed concern over the treatment of these groups and called for accountability. source: bbc.com
21 Mar Justice for Guatemalan Massacre Victims: Five former right-wing Guatemalan paramilitaries were sentenced to a collective 7,710 years in prison for their role in the 1982 Plan de Sánchez massacre, marking a significant moment in transitional justice.
27 Mar Bo Xilai Extrajudicial Controversy: Serious allegations emerged regarding Bo Xilai's use of extrajudicial methods to extract confessions during the Chongqing gang trials, highlighting potential systemic corruption and abuse of power within the Chinese legal system.
29 Mar Hana Shalabi's Exile After Hunger Strike: Palestinian activist Hana Shalabi was exiled from the Gaza Strip following a 43-day hunger strike, drawing international attention to Palestinian detention practices.
30 Mar Amnesty International Calls for Human Rights Activist's Release: Amnesty International urged the immediate and unconditional release of Bahraini human rights activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, drawing international attention to human rights issues in Bahrain.
31 Mar Chinese Internet Censorship: Chinese authorities arrested six police officers and shut down 16 websites for spreading rumors about military vehicles in Beijing, demonstrating the government's strict control over information dissemination.
02 Apr Hungarian President Resigns Over Plagiarism: Pal Schmitt resigned from his position as President of Hungary following a plagiarism scandal, highlighting the importance of academic integrity in public leadership roles.
03 Apr Murdoch Resigns from BSkyB: In the aftermath of the News International phone hacking scandal, James Murdoch resigned from his position as Chairman of BSkyB, marking a significant moment in media corporate governance.
04 Apr STOCK Act signed into law: On April 4, 2012, President Barack Obama signed the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act (STOCK Act) into law. This legislation prohibits members of Congress, executive branch employees, federal judges, and judicial employees from using nonpublic information derived from their official positions for personal profit. It also requires certain federal government employees' financial forms to be made available to the public electronically. source: obamawhitehouse.archives.gov
05 Apr Sky News Admits to Email Hacking: Sky News publicly acknowledged illegally accessing email accounts of two individuals on multiple occasions, raising serious ethical and legal concerns.
08 Apr Tulsa Shooting Hate Crime Investigation: U.S. Police arrested two men in connection with a racially motivated shooting in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which resulted in three deaths and two injuries. The suspects were being investigated for potential hate crimes.
10 Apr Breivik Psychiatric Assessment: On April 10, 2012, Norwegian mass murderer Anders Behring Breivik underwent a psychiatric assessment to determine his mental state. The assessment concluded that he was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia, leading to his commitment to a high-security psychiatric facility. source: en.wikipedia.org
11 Apr George Zimmerman charged with second-degree murder in Trayvon Martin case: On April 11, 2012, George Zimmerman was charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Florida. Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer, claimed he acted in self-defense after an altercation with Martin. The case garnered national attention and sparked widespread debates on race and gun laws in the United States. source: cbsnews.com
16 Apr Anders Behring Breivik trial begins: On April 16, 2012, the trial of Anders Behring Breivik began in Norway. He was charged with the 2011 attacks that killed 77 people, and the trial was closely followed both nationally and internationally. source: bbc.com
17 Apr Secret Service Prostitution Scandal Revealed: Senior U.S. officials admitted that the Secret Service Prostitution Scandal during the 6th Summit of the Americas involved up to 20 women, 11 American agents, and some military personnel.
19 Apr US Secret Service Prostitution Scandal: A US Secret Service agent was involved in a public scandal in Colombia after refusing to pay an agreed fee to an escort, leading to significant diplomatic and professional repercussions.
20 Apr Racial Bias Overturns Death Sentence: On April 20, 2012, a death sentence was overturned due to evidence of racial bias in the trial process. The case highlighted ongoing concerns about racial discrimination within the judicial system. source: nytimes.com
21 Apr U.S. Secret Service Prostitution Scandal: In April 2012, a scandal involving the U.S. Secret Service emerged when agents were implicated in hiring prostitutes in Colombia ahead of President Obama's visit. The incident led to the dismissal of several agents and heightened scrutiny of the agency's conduct. source: en.wikipedia.org
22 Apr Chinese Dissident Seeks US Embassy Refuge: In April 2012, Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng sought refuge in the U.S. Embassy in Beijing after escaping house arrest. His escape and subsequent asylum request led to diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and China, affecting bilateral relations. source: en.wikipedia.org
23 Apr Bahraini Uprising: Al-Khawaja Trial Delayed: In April 2012, the trial of Bahraini human rights activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja was delayed. Al-Khawaja had been arrested during the 2011 uprising and was facing charges related to his activism. The delay in his trial drew international criticism and highlighted ongoing human rights concerns in Bahrain. source: en.wikipedia.org
24 Apr News International Phone Hacking Scandal: In April 2012, the News International phone hacking scandal continued to unfold, with revelations about widespread phone tapping by journalists. The scandal led to public outrage, legal actions, and significant changes within the media industry. source: en.wikipedia.org
25 Apr Illinois 'Amazon Tax' Ruled Unconstitutional: A Cook County Circuit Court judge determines the state's internet business tax law unconstitutional, challenging digital commerce taxation approaches.
26 Apr Charles Taylor war crimes verdict: On April 26, 2012, former Liberian President Charles Taylor was convicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity by the Special Court for Sierra Leone. source: bbc.com
29 Apr Chemical Weapons Convention deadline expires: The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) required all member states to destroy their declared chemical weapons stockpiles by April 29, 2012. However, major possessor states, including the United States and Russia, acknowledged they would not meet this deadline. The U.S. estimated that its chemical weapons destruction would not be completed until 2017, while Russia projected completion by 2015. These extensions were granted by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). source: armscontrol.org
30 Apr Chen Guangcheng diplomatic incident: Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng's escape from house arrest in April 2012 led to a diplomatic incident between China and the United States. After seeking refuge in the U.S. embassy in Beijing, Chen was allowed to leave for the U.S., causing tensions over human rights and sovereignty. source: nytimes.com
01 May News International phone hacking scandal: The News International phone hacking scandal involved allegations that journalists at News of the World and other News International newspapers had illegally accessed voicemail messages of celebrities, politicians, and crime victims. The scandal led to public outrage, legal actions, and the closure of the News of the World newspaper. source: theguardian.com
05 May Guantanamo Bay military hearing held: On May 5, 2012, a military hearing was conducted at Guantanamo Bay detention camp, focusing on the legal status and potential prosecution of detainees. The proceedings were part of ongoing efforts to address the future of detainees held at the facility. source: reuters.com
11 May William Balfour Convicted of Hudson Family Murders: William Balfour was found guilty of murdering Jennifer Hudson's mother, brother, and nephew, bringing closure to a high-profile criminal case that had garnered significant media attention.
14 May News Corporation scandal over phone hacking: In May 2012, News Corporation faced a major scandal involving phone hacking by its journalists. The controversy led to public outcry, legal actions, and significant reputational damage to the company. source: theguardian.com
15 May News International Phone Hacking Scandal Continues: Rebekah Brooks, former chief executive of News International, and Charlie Brooks are charged with perverting justice in connection with the alleged destruction of evidence related to the phone hacking scandal.
16 May Trial of Ratko Mladic begins at International Criminal Tribunal: On May 16, 2012, the trial of Ratko Mladic, the former Bosnian Serb military leader, commenced at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, facing charges of genocide and war crimes.
17 May Ratko Mladić trial delayed due to health issues: On May 17, 2012, the trial of Ratko Mladić, former Bosnian Serb military leader, was delayed after he complained of health problems. The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia postponed the proceedings to assess his condition. source: bbc.com
20 May Lockerbie bomber dies in Tripoli: On May 20, 2012, Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, the Libyan man convicted of the 1988 Lockerbie bombing, died in Tripoli, Libya. His death marked the end of a controversial chapter in the history of the bombing, which had resulted in the deaths of 270 people. source: bbc.com
21 May Rajat Gupta Insider Trading Trial Begins: The criminal trial of Rajat Gupta on insider trading charges commenced in a federal courtroom in New York, marking a significant moment in corporate legal proceedings.
23 May CIA informant Shakeel Afridi sentenced: On May 23, 2012, Shakeel Afridi, a Pakistani doctor who assisted the CIA in locating Osama bin Laden, was sentenced to 33 years in prison. His case raised significant controversy regarding U.S.-Pakistan relations and the use of informants. source: bbc.com
24 May PC Yvonne Fletcher Murder Investigation Continues: London's Metropolitan Police announced they would send a team to Libya to continue investigating the 1984 murders of Police Constable Yvonne Fletcher, reopening a long-standing diplomatic and criminal case.
25 May Leveson Inquiry Reveals News Corp Communication: The Leveson Inquiry released emails between News Corporation lobbyist Fred Michel and UK Secretary of State Jeremy Hunt. Prime Minister David Cameron stated he did not regret allowing Hunt to decide on News Corp's BSkyB bid, amid ongoing media ethics investigations.
26 May Vatican Butler Arrested for Document Leaks: Paolo Gabriele, Pope Benedict XVI's personal butler, was arrested for allegedly leaking confidential Vatican documents, causing a significant internal scandal.
28 May Leveson Inquiry continues: The Leveson Inquiry, established to investigate the culture, practices, and ethics of the press in the United Kingdom, continued its proceedings on May 28, 2012. The inquiry examined various aspects of the media industry, including phone hacking and other unethical practices. source: en.wikipedia.org
29 May Philippines Senate Impeachment Verdict: After a lengthy four-month impeachment process, the Senate of the Philippines found Renato Corona guilty of failing to disclose his assets to the public, marking a significant moment in the country's judicial history.
30 May Charles Taylor sentenced for war crimes: On May 30, 2012, former Liberian President Charles Taylor was sentenced to 50 years in prison for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The sentencing took place at The Hague, where Taylor had been tried for his role in the Sierra Leone Civil War. source: en.wikipedia.org
31 May Lawsuit Against California Prison System: The Center for Constitutional Rights filed a lawsuit challenging California's prison system's practice of prolonged solitary confinement, which can last for decades.
01 Jun Venezuela Bans Gun and Ammunition Sales: The Venezuelan government implemented a ban on public gun and ammunition sales as part of a broader strategy to reduce crime and increase security.
07 Jun UN Human Rights Chief criticizes US drone strikes: On June 7, 2012, the UN Human Rights Chief, Navi Pillay, criticized the United States for its drone strikes in countries like Pakistan and Yemen. She raised concerns about the legality and humanitarian implications of these strikes, calling for greater accountability. source: reuters.com
08 Jun Bradley Manning Trial Update: A military judge at Fort Meade, Maryland, rejected the dropping of charges against Bradley Manning and indicated that his trial would likely be delayed until November.
12 Jun Bahraini uprising: Child imprisonment: On June 12, 2012, reports emerged of child imprisonment in Bahrain amid ongoing protests against the government. This raised concerns about human rights violations in the context of the uprising. source: bbc.com
14 Jun Stanford Financial Fraud Sentencing: Allen Stanford, a financier and cricket mogul, was sentenced to 110 years in prison for siphoning billions of dollars from investors, concluding a major financial fraud case.
17 Jun Sanliurfa Prison Fire: A devastating fire broke out in a prison in Sanliurfa, southeastern Turkey, resulting in 13 fatalities, raising questions about prison safety and emergency protocols.
18 Jun Roger Clemens Perjury Trial: Baseball star Roger Clemens was found not guilty of all charges in a high-profile perjury case, concluding a lengthy legal battle regarding performance-enhancing drug allegations.
19 Jun Julian Assange seeks asylum in Ecuadorian embassy: On June 19, 2012, Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, sought asylum in the Ecuadorian embassy in London to avoid extradition to Sweden. His request was based on fears of political persecution and potential extradition to the United States. source: bbc.com
20 Jun Eric Holder Charged with Contempt of Congress: The United States House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform charged Attorney General Eric Holder with contempt of Congress for failing to cooperate in the Operation 'Fast and Furious' investigation.
21 Jun Ecuador grants asylum to Julian Assange: On June 21, 2012, Ecuador granted political asylum to Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, who had been holed up in the Ecuadorian embassy in London since June 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden over sexual assault allegations. source: theguardian.com
22 Jun Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse conviction: On June 22, 2012, former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky was convicted on 45 counts of child sexual abuse. The case drew national attention and led to significant scrutiny of Penn State's handling of sexual abuse allegations. source: cnn.com
25 Jun U.S. Supreme Court limits life sentences for minors: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Miller v. Alabama that mandatory life sentences without the possibility of parole for juveniles convicted of homicide are unconstitutional, citing the Eighth Amendment's prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment. source: supremecourt.gov
27 Jun Uruguay Considers Cannabis Market Regulation: Uruguay aims to become the first country in the world to manage and oversee national cannabis markets, signaling a progressive approach to drug policy.
28 Jun US Supreme Court upholds Affordable Care Act: On June 28, 2012, the US Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act, a landmark healthcare reform law. The decision was seen as a significant victory for the Obama administration, affirming the constitutionality of the individual mandate requiring Americans to have health insurance. source: nytimes.com
03 Jul Syrian Uprising: Human Rights Crisis: On July 3, 2012, the United Nations reported that Syria's government forces and pro-government militias had committed widespread human rights violations, including torture and extrajudicial killings, amounting to crimes against humanity. source: foreignpolicy.com
04 Jul European Parliament Rejects Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement: In a decisive vote with over 470 votes in favor, the European Parliament rejected the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA), demonstrating a strong stance on intellectual property rights and internet freedom.
05 Jul WikiLeaks Publishes Syria Files: WikiLeaks released over two million emails from Syrian political figures, ministries, and associated companies, covering the period from August 2006 to February 2012. Founder Julian Assange claimed the documents would be embarrassing for Syria and its opponents.
09 Jul US Justice Department offers reward in border patrol agent murder: On July 9, 2012, the US Justice Department offered a reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the murder of a border patrol agent.
10 Jul Lubanga Sentenced for War Crimes: On July 10, 2012, Thomas Lubanga Dyilo, former president of the Union des Patriotes Congolais, was sentenced to 14 years of imprisonment by the International Criminal Court for enlisting and conscripting children under the age of 15 and using them to participate actively in hostilities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. source: icc-cpi.int
13 Jul Terrorist Plot Against President Obama: An Alabama federal judge sentenced Ulugbek Kodirov, an Uzbek national, to 15 years in prison for plotting to assassinate President Barack Obama.
15 Jul Jason Kidd Arrested for DUI: Southampton Town police arrested NBA player Jason Kidd for driving under the influence, highlighting ongoing issues of athlete misconduct.
17 Jul Needles Found in Delta Airlines Sandwiches: A disturbing security incident occurred when multiple 1-inch needles were discovered in sandwiches on Delta Airlines flights from Amsterdam to the United States, prompting a joint criminal investigation by the FBI and Dutch authorities.
18 Jul Nazi War Criminal Investigation: Hungarian authorities faced mounting pressure to arrest Laszlo Csatary, a 97-year-old alleged Nazi war criminal wanted for his involvement in the deportation of Jews to death camps during World War II.
20 Jul Deadly Bus Accident in Nayarit, Mexico: A tragic bus accident occurred in the Mexican state of Nayarit, resulting in 21 fatalities and 29 injuries. The incident highlighted the ongoing challenges of road safety in the region.
24 Jul News International Phone Hacking Scandal Prosecution: On July 24, 2012, the UK government announced the prosecution of individuals involved in the News International phone hacking scandal. The scandal had revealed widespread illegal phone tapping by journalists at News International, leading to public outrage and legal actions. source: theguardian.com
26 Jul Murder Charges in High-Profile Chinese Case: Gu Kailai, wife of former Chinese politician Bo Xilai, and their employee Zhang Xiaojun are charged with murdering British businessman Neil Heywood.
29 Jul UAE Crackdown on Dissidents: Activists report the arrest of ten more Islamists in the United Arab Emirates as part of a broader suppression of political dissent.
30 Jul Pussy Riot Trial in Moscow: Three members of the Russian feminist punk rock group Pussy Riot were put on trial in Moscow for an unauthorized performance at Christ the Saviour Cathedral, which called for Vladimir Putin's removal. The trial became a significant moment in discussing political protest and freedom of expression in Russia.
01 Aug Mexican Army Generals Indicted for Cartel Links: Three Mexican Army generals, including retired General Tomas Angeles Dauahare and active General Roberto Dawe Gonzalez, were indicted for their connections to the Beltran-Leyva drug trafficking cartel.
02 Aug Romania's Presidential Impeachment Postponed: Romania's Constitutional Court delayed the decision on President Traian Basescu's impeachment referendum until August 31, 2012, to allow for a reevaluation of permanent electoral lists.
03 Aug Mexican Drug Cartel Member Arrested: Mexican Army captures a Los Zetas cartel member responsible for a gruesome mass decapitation of 49 bodies in May 2012, who was also one of 37 prisoners who escaped during the Apodaca prison riot.
04 Aug Bahraini Uprising Intensifies: Abdulhadi al-Khawaja's daughter was detained and charged with 'destroying government property', symbolizing the continued government crackdown on political dissent.
05 Aug Wisconsin Sikh Temple Shooting: On August 5, 2012, a tragic shooting occurred at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. The incident resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, leading to widespread shock and calls for increased vigilance against hate crimes. source: hurriyetdailynews.com
06 Aug Oak Creek Sikh Temple Shooting: A tragic mass shooting occurred at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, resulting in seven deaths, including the gunman. This hate crime shocked the community and sparked national discussions about religious tolerance and gun violence.
08 Aug Pakistani Supreme Court Summons Prime Minister: The Supreme Court of Pakistan ordered Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf to appear and explain alleged failures to comply with orders regarding corruption charges against President Asif Ali Zardari.
10 Aug Sinaloa Cartel Drug Traffickers Captured: Four drug traffickers from the Sinaloa Cartel were apprehended in Spain, highlighting international law enforcement cooperation against organized crime.
13 Aug WikiLeaks Surveillance and Cyber Attack Revelations: WikiLeaks revealed data suggesting the U.S. government was secretly spying using civilian security cameras through a system called Trapwire. Simultaneously, WikiLeaks' website was targeted by a sustained online attack.
14 Aug Egyptian lawyer files lawsuit against President Morsi: On August 14, 2012, an Egyptian lawyer filed a lawsuit against President Mohamed Morsi, challenging his decision to dismiss the head of the military and other top officials. source: aljazeera.com
17 Aug Germany Allows Domestic Military Deployment: On August 17, 2012, Germany's Federal Constitutional Court ruled that the German military could be deployed within the country to assist in disaster relief and other domestic emergencies. This decision marked a significant shift in Germany's post-World War II military policy.
18 Aug Facebook Privacy Lawsuit Developments: On August 18, 2012, a U.S. federal judge allowed a class-action lawsuit against Facebook to proceed, alleging that the company violated users' privacy by tracking their web activity without consent. The case raised significant concerns about online privacy and data collection practices.
21 Aug Romania Invalidates Presidential Impeachment Referendum: The Constitutional Court of Romania officially invalidates the presidential impeachment referendum that was held on July 29.
22 Aug Right-to-Die Legal Battle: Tony Nicklinson, a 58-year-old British man suffering from locked-in syndrome, loses his legal battle to end his life medically, highlighting complex ethical debates surrounding euthanasia and personal autonomy.
23 Aug Mark David Chapman Parole Denied: Mark David Chapman, John Lennon's murderer, had his 7th parole request rejected, continuing the legal consequences of his infamous crime.
25 Aug Chinese Citizens Arrested in Angola: Thirty-seven Chinese citizens are arrested in Angola on suspicion of criminal activities and are set to be extradited to China.
31 Aug Wang Xiaoning's Arrest and Yahoo! Involvement: On August 31, 2012, Chinese human rights activist Wang Xiaoning was released from prison after serving a ten-year sentence for 'inciting state subversion.' His arrest in 2002 was linked to his online writings advocating for democracy and human rights. Reports indicated that Yahoo! had provided information to Chinese authorities that led to his arrest, raising concerns about corporate complicity in human rights abuses. Yahoo! faced criticism for its role in the case. source: nytimes.com
03 Sep Red Bull Heir Arrested in Hit-and-Run: Vorayuth Yaovidhya, great-grandson of Red Bull's creator, is arrested in Bangkok following an early morning hit-and-run incident that resulted in a police officer's death.
04 Sep Pirate Bay Founder Detained in Cambodia: Gottfrid Svartholm, the founder of The Pirate Bay, was detained by Cambodian police on Sunday. The extradition process remains uncertain, as Sweden and Cambodia have not reached an extradition agreement.
06 Sep Human Rights Watch Waterboarding Allegations: Human Rights Watch claims to have additional evidence of waterboarding cases involving US operatives, raising significant human rights concerns.
07 Sep Pakistan Expels Save the Children NGO: Pakistan ordered foreign nationals working for Save the Children to leave the country within four weeks, accusing the organization of involvement in a falsified vaccination program related to the hunt for Osama Bin Laden. Both the charity and the U.S. government denied these allegations.
14 Sep Campus Bomb Threats: Security concerns led to the evacuation of campus buildings at North Dakota State University and the University of Texas at Austin following unspecified bomb threats.
18 Sep Murder of Greater Manchester Police Officers: On September 18, 2012, two Greater Manchester Police officers, Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone, were killed in an ambush while responding to a burglary report in Tameside, Greater Manchester. The assailant, Dale Cregan, fired 32 gunshots and used a grenade, resulting in the officers' deaths. This incident marked the first time two female police officers were killed on duty in England. source: en.wikipedia.org
19 Sep US Justice Department Operation Fast and Furious Investigation: On September 19, 2012, the U.S. Department of Justice continued its investigation into Operation Fast and Furious, a controversial program that allowed firearms to be sold to suspected straw purchasers with the goal of tracing them to Mexican drug cartels. The operation faced criticism for its handling and oversight. source: justice.gov
23 Sep Pilot Impersonation Arrest in Italy: A man was arrested by police at Turin Caselle Airport for impersonating a pilot, highlighting airport security vulnerabilities.
26 Sep Russian Billionaire Faces Charges After Televised Fight: Alexander Lebedev, a prominent Russian billionaire, is facing charges of hooliganism and battery stemming from a televised altercation. Lebedev claims the incident was retaliatory, motivated by his criticisms of President Vladimir Putin.
29 Sep Omar Khadr Transferred to Canada: On September 29, 2012, Omar Khadr, a Canadian citizen detained at Guantanamo Bay since 2002, was transferred to Canada to serve the remainder of his sentence. Khadr, who was captured in Afghanistan at 15 and later pleaded guilty to charges related to the death of a U.S. soldier, was transferred under a plea agreement allowing him to serve his sentence in Canada. source: cbc.ca
04 Oct Gloria Macapagal Arroyo facing legal charges: Former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was facing legal charges related to corruption and electoral fraud. The charges stemmed from her time in office and were part of a broader crackdown on corruption in the Philippines. Arroyo denied the allegations and claimed political persecution. source: bbc.com
05 Oct Mau Mau uprising torture case to proceed: A UK court ruled that a case regarding the torture of Mau Mau veterans during the Kenyan uprising would proceed. The ruling was significant for historical justice and accountability regarding colonial-era abuses. The case highlighted ongoing discussions about reparations and human rights. source: bbc.com
06 Oct Pope's butler convicted of document theft: On October 6, 2012, Paolo Gabriele, Pope Benedict XVI's personal butler, was convicted by a Vatican court for aggravated theft after leaking confidential documents to the media. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison, later reduced to a suspended sentence. source: en.wikipedia.org
08 Oct Nigerian Police Arrest Lynching Suspects: Nigerian police arrested 13 individuals in connection with the lynching of four university students who were accused of stealing mobile phones and laptops in Rivers state.
09 Oct Jerry Sandusky sentenced for sexual abuse convictions: On October 9, 2012, former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky was sentenced to 30 to 60 years in prison after being convicted on 45 counts of sexual abuse involving young boys. The case drew national attention to issues of sexual abuse and institutional cover-ups. source: cnn.com
10 Oct Pussy Riot Legal Proceedings: A Moscow court partially granted an appeal for one of the Pussy Riot members during a hearing, signaling potential shifts in the high-profile political protest case that had drawn international attention.
11 Oct Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi dismisses Prosecutor General Abdel-Meguid Mahmoud: On October 11, 2012, Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi dismissed Prosecutor General Abdel-Meguid Mahmoud, a position Mahmoud had held since 2006. Morsi appointed Mahmoud as Egypt's envoy to the Vatican. This move aimed to address public dissatisfaction over the acquittal of former regime officials involved in the 2011 uprising. However, Mahmoud refused to accept the ambassadorial post, citing legal protections against such dismissal. The standoff continued until October 13, when an agreement was reached for Mahmoud to remain in office until his retirement. source: aljazeera.com
12 Oct Jimmy Savile Scandal Investigation Begins: The British government launched an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against former BBC presenter Jimmy Savile, involving hundreds of claims regarding his inappropriate behavior with teenage girls.
14 Oct UK Royal Marines Charged with Murder in Afghanistan: The UK Ministry of Defence charged five Royal Marines with murder related to an incident involving an insurgent's death in Afghanistan in 2011, highlighting the complex legal and ethical challenges of military operations.
17 Oct Inquiry Launched into Jimmy Savile Hospital Allegations: Former barrister Kate Lampard was appointed by the UK Department of Health to lead a comprehensive investigation into allegations of misconduct by Jimmy Savile within hospital settings.
18 Oct Boy Scouts release sexual abuse documents: On October 18, 2012, the Boy Scouts of America released thousands of documents detailing allegations of sexual abuse within the organization. This release aimed to address past controversies and improve transparency. source: nbcnews.com
19 Oct Jimmy Savile Sexual Abuse Investigation: On October 19, 2012, British police announced that they were investigating allegations of sexual abuse against former BBC presenter Jimmy Savile. The investigation followed numerous reports from victims who claimed to have been abused by Savile over several decades. source: bbc.com
20 Oct UN Sanctions Against M23 Rebels: The United Nations Security Council announces plans to impose sanctions on leaders of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's M23 rebel group for violating an international arms embargo, demonstrating international efforts to curb regional conflict.
21 Oct Shooting in Brookfield, Wisconsin: A tragic shooting incident in Brookfield, Wisconsin resulted in four fatalities, including the shooter, highlighting ongoing concerns about gun violence in the United States.
22 Oct L'Aquila earthquake scientists convicted: On October 22, 2012, an Italian court upheld the convictions of six scientists for manslaughter related to the 2009 L'Aquila earthquake. The court ruled that the scientists had provided inadequate risk assessments prior to the disaster, which resulted in fatalities and injuries. source: bbc.com
23 Oct Italian Disaster Agency Head Resigns After Earthquake Scientist Conviction: Luciano Maiani, head of Italy's disaster agency, resigns in protest following the controversial conviction of scientists for failing to predict the 2009 L'Aquila earthquake. This event sparked international debate about scientific responsibility and legal accountability.
28 Oct Greek Journalist Arrested for Bank Account Exposé: Greek journalist Kostas Vaxevanis is detained after publishing a list of Greeks with Swiss bank accounts, potentially revealing tax evasion.
29 Oct Damian Rzeszowski Sentenced for Multiple Murders: Damian Rzeszowski was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the murder of six people, including his wife and children, in a tragic case in New Jersey that shocked local communities.
30 Oct Rwanda Sentences Opposition Leader: Rwanda's highest court sentenced opposition leader Victoire Ingabire to eight years in prison, convicting her of conspiring to harm the country and minimizing the 1994 Rwanda genocide. This verdict underscored the ongoing political tensions and limited political freedoms in Rwanda.
31 Oct Jerry Sandusky transferred to state prison: Jerry Sandusky, the former Penn State football coach convicted of child molestation, was transferred to a state prison to serve his sentence. His case continued to draw attention and discussions about child abuse. source: nbcnews.com
01 Nov Iranian Women Political Prisoners Protest: Nine women political prisoners, including prominent human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh, initiated a hunger strike at Tehran's Evin prison to protest their detention conditions, drawing international attention to human rights issues in Iran.
02 Nov Faulkner Estate Sues Northrop Grumman: William Faulkner's estate filed a lawsuit against Northrop Grumman Corporation for using a Faulkner quote in their corporate advertising without proper authorization.
05 Nov Australian Court Ruling Against Standard & Poor's: An Australian judge ruled that Standard & Poor's misled investors by improperly rating two pre-financial crisis structured debt issues, signaling increased regulatory scrutiny of credit rating agencies.
07 Nov Marijuana Legalization Milestones: Washington and Colorado voters approved recreational marijuana legalization, with Massachusetts also voting in favor through a referendum.
08 Nov Tucson Shooter Sentenced: Jared Lee Loughner, the perpetrator of the 2011 Tucson shooting, was sentenced to seven consecutive life sentences for his violent actions.
09 Nov CIA Director David Petraeus resigns: On November 9, 2012, CIA Director David Petraeus resigned from his position, citing personal reasons. His resignation came amid an FBI investigation into an extramarital affair. source: cnn.com
10 Nov Deadly Prison Conflict in Colombo, Sri Lanka: A violent conflict erupted between guards and inmates at Welikada prison in Colombo, resulting in at least 27 deaths and numerous injuries, revealing significant tensions within the Sri Lankan prison system.
11 Nov Major Drug Bust in Paraguay: Paraguayan authorities arrested a Bolivian drug lord and seized nearly 1,700 kg of cocaine at the Brazil-Paraguay border, representing a significant blow to international drug trafficking networks.
12 Nov Abu Qatada legal development: On November 12, 2012, a legal development occurred regarding Abu Qatada, a controversial figure facing deportation from the UK. The case drew significant media attention and raised issues about national security and human rights. source: bbc.com
14 Nov Russia expands treason law: On November 14, 2012, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed into law a bill amending the Russian Criminal Code to broaden the definition of treason and espionage. The new law includes activities that jeopardize Russia's "constitutional order, sovereignty and territorial and state integrity," raising concerns among human rights activists about its potential for broad interpretation. source: loc.gov
15 Nov Myanmar prisoner amnesty announced: On November 15, 2012, Myanmar's government announced an amnesty for prisoners, including political detainees. This move was seen as part of the country's ongoing reforms and efforts to improve its human rights record. source: bbc.com
16 Nov War crimes convictions overturned for Croatian generals: On November 16, 2012, the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia overturned the convictions of two Croatian generals, Ante Gotovina and Mladen Markac, for war crimes during the Balkan conflicts. This decision was met with mixed reactions in Croatia and the region. source: bbc.com
19 Nov Cold Case Arrest in Netherlands: A 45-year-old Dutch man was arrested in connection with a high-profile rape and murder case involving a 16-year-old girl that occurred on May 1, 1999, demonstrating ongoing efforts to solve cold cases.
20 Nov Croatian Prime Minister convicted of corruption: On November 20, 2012, former Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader was convicted of corruption and sentenced to 10 years in prison. This case was significant in the context of anti-corruption efforts in Croatia and the broader region. source: bbc.com
21 Nov Execution of Mumbai Attack Terrorist: Mohammad Ajmal Amir Kasab, the sole surviving gunman from the 2008 Mumbai attacks, was executed by hanging at Yerwada Central Jail in Pune, India, on November 21, 2012. His execution was carried out in secrecy, just days before the fourth anniversary of the attacks that killed 166 people. source: washingtonpost.com
22 Nov Hostage Situation at Japanese Bank: A knife-wielding Japanese man was arrested after holding four hostages captive at Toyokawa Shinkin Bank for over 12 hours. During the incident, he demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, creating a tense public safety situation.
23 Nov FBI Most Wanted Fugitive Arrested: Joe Saenz, a high-profile fugitive on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list, was apprehended by Mexican federal police in Guadalajara, bringing an end to his time on the run.
27 Nov Arafat's remains exhumed: On November 27, 2012, the remains of former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat were exhumed for forensic analysis. This was part of an investigation into his death in 2004, amid suspicions that he was poisoned. source: jpl.nasa.gov
29 Nov Leveson Inquiry Media Regulation Recommendations: Lord Leveson announced the findings of the comprehensive inquiry into British media practices, with Prime Minister David Cameron expressing support for the principles while maintaining reservations about potential legislative implementations.
02 Dec Israel Keyes Serial Killer Case: Israel Keyes, a 34-year-old suspected serial killer responsible for the murder of Samantha Koenig and potentially seven other victims in the United States, committed suicide while in custody.
07 Dec Arrest of Michael Misick on Corruption Charges: Brazilian police arrested Michael Misick, the former Premier of Turks and Caicos Islands, in connection with an investigation into corruption involving British overseas territories.
10 Dec Colorado Legalizes Marijuana: Governor John Hickenlooper issues a proclamation authorizing personal marijuana use following the recent constitutional amendment, marking a significant shift in state drug policy.
11 Dec Michigan Right-to-Work Legislation: Michigan's state government passed controversial right-to-work legislation, becoming the 24th such state in the United States. This sparked significant union protests outside the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing.
12 Dec Pat Finucane Murder Report Released: The UK government released a report on the 1989 murder of human rights lawyer Pat Finucane, concluding that state agents colluded in his death. The report was published on December 12, 2012. source: bbc.com
15 Dec Multiple Shootings in Alabama: Alabama experiences two violent shooting incidents: a hospital shooting in Birmingham where a gunman wounded officers and an employee before being fatally shot, and another incident involving a suspected murderer killed by police near Birmingham.
16 Dec Police Officers Fatally Shot in Topeka: Two police officers were shot and killed outside a supermarket in Topeka, Kansas. David Edward Tiscareno (22 years old) was wanted in connection with the crime.
18 Dec Ireland to Clarify Abortion Laws After Savita Happanavar's Death: Following the tragic death of Savita Happanavar, the Irish government announced plans to introduce legislation clarifying abortion laws and providing clear guidance to doctors regarding maternal health risks.
19 Dec Russia Bans American Child Adoptions: Russia announced a ban on Americans adopting Russian children in response to the Magnitsky bill, a U.S. sanctions measure designed to criticize Russia's human rights record, creating diplomatic tension between the two nations.
20 Dec Rwandan genocide perpetrator sentenced: On December 20, 2012, a Rwandan court sentenced a man for his role in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The sentencing was part of ongoing efforts to bring justice to those responsible for the atrocities committed during the genocide. source: bbc.com
24 Dec Firefighters Killed in Line of Duty: Two firefighters were killed and two more injured while responding to a fire in Webster, New York, United States, underscoring the risks faced by emergency responders.
26 Dec Russia's Federation Council approves adoption ban by U.S. citizens: On December 26, 2012, Russia's Federation Council unanimously endorsed a bill banning adoptions of Russian children by U.S. citizens. The legislation, named after Dima Yakovlev, a Russian child who died in the U.S. under tragic circumstances, was signed into law by President Vladimir Putin on December 28, 2012, and took effect on January 1, 2013. source: washingtonpost.com
27 Dec Toyota lawsuit settlement reached over unintended acceleration claims: Toyota agreed to a settlement in a class-action lawsuit regarding claims of unintended acceleration in its vehicles. The settlement aimed to resolve allegations that the company failed to address safety issues adequately. This case highlighted significant concerns about automotive safety and corporate responsibility. source: nytimes.com
29 Dec FISA Amendments Act extended by Congress: The U.S. Congress voted to extend the FISA Amendments Act, which allows for the surveillance of foreign communications. This extension raised concerns about privacy rights and government overreach, sparking debates among civil liberties advocates and lawmakers. source: washingtonpost.com

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