2016 Law & Justice Events — Verified Historical Highlights

2016 Law & Justice Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to

02 Jan Saudi Arabia mass execution of dissidents: On January 2, 2016, Saudi Arabia executed 47 individuals, including prominent Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr, sparking widespread protests and condemnation from human rights organizations. source: en.wikipedia.org
03 Jan New York Homeless Shelter Mandate: New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo orders communities across the state to provide shelter for homeless persons when temperatures drop below freezing, demonstrating a commitment to public welfare.
05 Jan Obama's executive actions on gun control: On January 5, 2016, President Obama announced a series of executive actions aimed at tightening gun control measures in the United States. This move was met with both support and opposition across the political spectrum. source: nytimes.com
06 Jan Obama expands gun sale background checks: On January 6, 2016, President Obama announced an expansion of background checks for gun sales as part of his executive actions on gun control. This move aimed to address gun violence in the U.S. source: nytimes.com
09 Jan Murder Suspect Arrested in Ghana: Arthur Simpson-Kent, the partner of Sian Blake who was involved in the murder of Blake and her two children, is being held in custody in Ghana.
10 Jan Sean Penn and Kate del Castillo Questioned in Guzman Case: Mexican authorities sought to question American actor Sean Penn and Mexican actress Kate del Castillo regarding their secret October meeting and interview with drug lord Joaquin Guzman. The interview, published in Rolling Stone magazine, reportedly played a role in locating Guzman.
17 Jan Microbus Crash in Egypt: A tragic microbus crash in Egypt's New Valley Governorate results in at least five fatalities and ten injuries.
21 Jan British inquiry into Litvinenko murder: On January 21, 2016, the UK government published the report of the public inquiry into the death of Alexander Litvinenko, a former KGB officer. The inquiry concluded that the Russian state was responsible for his assassination in 2006. source: gov.uk
23 Jan Polish Constitutional Court Protests: Thousands of Poles demonstrated in Warsaw and other cities against the conservative government's proposed surveillance law, which protesters believed would infringe on civil liberties and privacy rights.
25 Jan Supreme Court rules on juvenile life sentences: The U.S. Supreme Court held that its 2012 decision in Miller v. Alabama, which prohibited mandatory life sentences without parole for juveniles, applies retroactively. This ruling allows individuals previously sentenced to life without parole for crimes committed as juveniles to seek parole eligibility or resentencing. source: washingtonpost.com
26 Jan Oregon militia leader arrested: Ammon Bundy, leader of the armed occupation at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon, was arrested along with several followers during a traffic stop. The group had been protesting federal land policies and was charged with federal offenses. source: nytimes.com
27 Jan Amnesty International Reports on Iranian Youth Imprisonment: Amnesty International revealed alarming statistics about youth imprisonment in Iran, reporting 160 young Iranians currently in prison and 73 executions between 2005 and 2015. The report highlighted controversial practices including sentencing children as young as 9 to death.
28 Jan ICC Investigation into Russo-Georgian War: Georgia welcomed an International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into potential war crimes committed during the 2008 South Ossetia War. This would be the first ICC inquiry examining potential abuses by both Moscow and Georgia.
29 Jan Pro-Democracy Activists Sentenced in China: Three pro-democracy activists in Guangzhou were sentenced to up to five years in prison on charges of attempting to undermine the Communist Party government, reflecting ongoing tensions between political dissent and state control.
30 Jan Facebook and Instagram Ban Gun Sales: Social media platforms Facebook and Instagram implemented a new policy prohibiting private sales of firearms through their services, marking a significant step in online marketplace regulation.
31 Jan Fatal Factory Fire in Moscow: A massive fire in Moscow's Sokolniki District resulted in at least 12 fatalities. Local police suspected the incident might have been an act of arson, prompting a potential criminal investigation.
04 Feb UN Declares Assange Arbitrarily Detained: The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention ruled that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was being held arbitrarily, adding another controversial chapter to his prolonged diplomatic and legal standoff.
08 Feb Facebook Privacy Law Violation: The French data protection authority CNIL officially cited Facebook for violating privacy laws by improperly collecting and transferring internet data from 30 million users. This action highlighted ongoing concerns about digital privacy and data protection in the wake of the invalidated International Safe Harbor agreement.
09 Feb Maryland Felons' Voting Rights Restored: Maryland's Senate and House of Delegates successfully overrode Governor Larry Hogan's veto, extending voting rights to felons who have not completed their parole or probation terms, effective March 10, 2016.
11 Feb Uber Settles Lawsuit over Background Checks: Uber agreed to pay $28.5 million to settle two lawsuits related to misleading background checks, following a similar settlement by Lyft in 2014.
13 Feb Death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia: On February 13, 2016, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, 79, was found dead at the Cibolo Creek Ranch in West Texas. He had been appointed to the Court by President Ronald Reagan in 1986 and was known for his conservative judicial philosophy. His death led to a significant vacancy on the Court, impacting its ideological balance. source: washingtonpost.com
19 Feb DOJ Orders Apple to Unlock iPhone: The United States Department of Justice filed an order compelling Apple Inc. to assist the FBI in accessing an iPhone belonging to a San Bernardino attack perpetrator, sparking a significant privacy and security debate.
20 Feb Calais Migrant Crisis: French authorities offered up to 1,000 migrants (mostly Syrians and Iraqis) until 8 PM on February 23rd to leave the Calais jungle camp, warning that police would forcibly remove those who refuse to leave.
24 Feb Leland Yee sentenced for corruption: On February 24, 2016, former California State Senator Leland Yee was sentenced for corruption charges, marking a significant case in U.S. political corruption. This case drew attention to issues of ethics and accountability in politics. source: reuters.com
28 Feb Thane Family Tragedy: A horrific domestic incident in Thane, India, where one man killed 14 of his family members before taking his own life.
29 Feb Execution of Mumtaz Qadri in Pakistan: Pakistani authorities executed Mumtaz Qadri for the 2011 murder of Salmaan Taseer, a progressive Punjab governor who advocated for reforming blasphemy laws. The execution highlighted ongoing tensions surrounding religious extremism and judicial processes in Pakistan.
03 Mar Obama Considers Supreme Court Nominee: President Obama was reportedly contemplating nominating Jane Kelly, a federal appellate judge from Iowa, to fill the Supreme Court vacancy left by the late Justice Antonin Scalia.
04 Mar Turkish Government Seizes Control of Zaman Newspaper: A Turkish court placed the state-controlled Zaman newspaper under government control. The newspaper, closely tied to Fethullah Gulen's movement, was a former ally of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, signaling escalating media suppression.
05 Mar Turkey's Media Suppression: Turkish police used tear gas against protesters outside the Istanbul headquarters of Zaman newspaper, which had been forcibly taken over by the Turkish government, symbolizing increasing media restrictions.
07 Mar Apple Settles E-book Price Fixing Case: Apple Inc. must pay a $450 million settlement in a price-fixing case. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal, affirming that Apple played a central role in a conspiracy to raise e-book prices and eliminate retail price competition.
08 Mar FCC Expands Lifeline Program: The United States Federal Communications Commission announced an expansion of the Lifeline program to include broadband Internet service, enhancing digital access for low-income populations.
09 Mar Brazil's Former President Charged: Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, former President of Brazil, was being charged with money laundering.
10 Mar Cabot Oil Fracking Lawsuit Settlement: A jury in Scranton, Pennsylvania awarded $4.2 million in damages to plaintiffs in a lawsuit against Cabot Oil related to their hydraulic fracturing (fracking) operations.
14 Mar Journalists Detained in Malaysia: Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop expressed concern over the arrest and detention of two Australian Broadcasting Corporation journalists who were investigating corruption allegations against Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak.
15 Mar Brussels police raids targeting Paris attack suspects: On March 15, 2016, Belgian police conducted raids in Brussels targeting individuals suspected of involvement in the November 2015 Paris attacks, leading to multiple arrests. source: bbc.com
16 Mar Obama nominates Merrick Garland to Supreme Court: On March 16, 2016, President Barack Obama nominated Judge Merrick Garland to the U.S. Supreme Court, initiating a contentious confirmation process. source: nytimes.com
17 Mar US declares ISIL genocide against Christians and Yazidis: On March 17, 2016, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry declared that the Islamic State (ISIL) had committed genocide against Christians, Yazidis, and Shiite Muslims in Iraq and Syria. This declaration followed a bipartisan resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, which unanimously recognized ISIL's actions as genocide. Kerry stated that ISIL's ideology was based on eliminating those who do not subscribe to its beliefs. source: washingtonpost.com
18 Mar Censorship in China: Journalist Jia Jia Disappears: Jia Jia, a columnist for Tencent media, went missing while traveling to Hong Kong after attempting to warn a friend about an anonymous letter calling for President Xi Jinping's resignation, raising concerns about press freedom in China.
21 Mar ICC convicts Jean-Pierre Bemba of war crimes: On March 21, 2016, the International Criminal Court convicted former Congolese Vice President Jean-Pierre Bemba of war crimes and crimes against humanity. This landmark ruling marked a significant moment in international justice. source: bbc.com
22 Mar Russia-Finland Border Restriction Agreement: Russia and Finland agreed to temporarily restrict Arctic border crossings at the Finnish-Russian frontier, limiting passage to Finnish, Russian, and Belarusian citizens for up to 180 days in response to increased asylum seekers.
24 Mar Radovan Karadzic convicted of genocide: On March 24, 2016, former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic was convicted of genocide and war crimes by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. The court sentenced him to 40 years in prison for his role in the Bosnian War, particularly the Srebrenica massacre. source: theguardian.com
27 Mar Brussels Police Disperse Far-Right Demonstration: In the aftermath of the 2016 Brussels bombings, police used water cannons to break up an apparent far-right demonstration near a memorial site for bombing victims. The intervention occurred after demonstrators allegedly attempted to march against terrorists.
28 Mar Lawsuit against North Carolina transgender bathroom law: On March 28, 2016, a federal lawsuit was filed against North Carolina's controversial transgender bathroom law, which mandated that individuals use bathrooms corresponding to their biological sex. The law faced significant backlash and legal challenges from civil rights groups. source: nytimes.com
30 Mar Supreme Court deadlocks on public union fees: On March 30, 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court was expected to rule on Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association, a case challenging the constitutionality of mandatory union dues. However, the Court deadlocked 4-4 due to the death of Justice Antonin Scalia, leaving the lower court's decision in favor of the unions intact. source: time.com
31 Mar War Crimes Tribunal Acquits Serbian Politician: The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia acquitted Vojislav Seselj of nine counts of atrocities committed in Bosnia and Croatia during the 1990s.
05 Apr Mississippi Anti-LGBT Rights Law: Governor Phil Bryant signed a controversial law allowing private businesses and religious organizations to refuse services to LGBT individuals, sparking significant debate about discrimination and religious freedom.
06 Apr War Crimes Trial Halted: The International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia ordered an indefinite suspension of the war crimes trial against Goran Hadzic, a Croatian Serb rebel leader. The decision was made due to Hadzic's terminal brain cancer, which rendered him unfit to stand trial. He was originally accused of 14 war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the 1991-1995 Croatian conflict.
07 Apr Panama responds to Panama Papers scandal: In April 2016, Panama faced international scrutiny following the release of the Panama Papers, a massive leak of documents revealing how wealthy individuals and public officials used offshore tax havens. The Panamanian government announced measures to enhance transparency and combat money laundering, including the implementation of new regulations and cooperation with international authorities. source: bbc.com
11 Apr Italian Coast Guard Migrant Rescue: The Italian Coast Guard rescued 1,850 migrants in the Strait of Sicily, highlighting the ongoing European migration crisis.
12 Apr Accidental Grenade Incident in Pakistani Court: A Pakistani police officer accidentally triggered a grenade during a demonstration at an anti-terrorism court, injuring himself and his assistant. The officer claimed the grenade was defused before pulling its pin.
15 Apr Firefighters Shot During Welfare Check: During a routine welfare check in Temple Hills, Maryland, two firefighters were shot, resulting in one fatality and another critically injured.
17 Apr Myanmar Pardons Political Prisoners: Myanmar's President Htin Kyaw pardoned 83 political prisoners. Since the April 1 election, the National League for Democracy government has freed or dropped charges for 282 individuals.
22 Apr Virginia governor restores voting rights for felons: On April 22, 2016, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe signed an executive order restoring voting rights to over 200,000 felons who had completed their sentences, a significant move in the state's criminal justice reform efforts. source: nytimes.com
23 Apr German Pirate Party Member Arrested for Erdogan Criticism: Bruno Kramm, head of the Berlin branch of Germany's Pirate Party, was arrested for quoting a line from a comic about Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, highlighting tensions around free speech and international diplomatic sensitivities.
24 Apr Dutch journalist arrested in Turkey amid crackdown: On April 24, 2016, a Dutch journalist was arrested in Turkey as part of a broader crackdown on media and dissent. The arrest raised concerns about press freedom and the treatment of journalists in the country. source: theguardian.com
26 Apr Crimean Tatar Mejlis banned by Russian authorities: On April 26, 2016, Russian authorities banned the Crimean Tatar Mejlis, a representative body for the Crimean Tatar people. This action was condemned internationally and raised concerns about human rights in Crimea. source: reuters.com
28 Apr Colombia legalizes same-sex marriage: Colombia's Constitutional Court ruled to legalize same-sex marriage, making it the fourth country in Latin America to do so. The decision was hailed as a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ rights in the region.
29 Apr South African Court Challenges Zuma's Corruption Charges: South Africa's court ruled that President Jacob Zuma's 2009 decision to drop over 750 corruption charges was unwise, ordering a review. However, the ruling does not automatically reinstate the charges.
30 Apr Mass Sentencing in Egypt: The Egyptian government sentenced 237 activists to a maximum of three years in prison for protesting without permits against President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi's decision to transfer two islands to Saudi Arabia. Human Rights Watch reported at least 382 total arrests.
03 May Spanish Judge Issues Arrest Warrant for Russian Officials: A Spanish judge issued an arrest warrant for several Russian officials with alleged ties to organized crime, including former Defense Minister Anatoliy Sedyukov and former Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov. The charges include money laundering and assassination.
04 May U.S. Justice Department Challenges North Carolina Transgender Bathroom Law: The U.S. Justice Department contacted North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory regarding the state's transgender bathroom access law, requesting clarification on potential Title VII violations.
06 May Maryland Shooting Incidents: A series of violent shooting incidents occurred in Montgomery County, Maryland, resulting in multiple casualties. A man was killed in the Westfield Montgomery Mall parking lot, another man was critically injured, and a woman was wounded. A subsequent shooting at a nearby grocery store resulted in another fatality, with police investigating potential connections between the incidents.
08 May Taliban prisoners executed in Afghanistan: The Afghan government executed six Taliban prisoners convicted of involvement in a 2011 attack on a Kabul hotel that killed 21 people, including 13 foreigners. The executions were carried out despite international concerns over the use of the death penalty in Afghanistan. source: aljazeera.com
11 May Bangladesh executes Islamist leader for war crimes: Bangladesh executed an Islamist leader convicted of war crimes committed during the 1971 Liberation War. source: reuters.com
12 May Baltimore Primary Election Results Decertified: Maryland state election officials decertified the Baltimore primary election results from April 26th due to significant discrepancies between the number of cast ballots and actual voters at polling stations.
13 May Shopping Mall Collapse in Nigeria: A tragic construction accident occurred in Abeokuta, Nigeria, where a shopping mall under construction collapsed. Initial reports confirmed at least one fatality, with unconfirmed sources suggesting the death toll could be as high as ten people, highlighting serious construction safety concerns.
15 May Old Trafford Stadium Evacuation: Tens of thousands of people were evacuated from Old Trafford stadium before a Manchester United F.C. vs. A.F.C. Bournemouth match due to a suspect package. A controlled explosion revealed the package was an explosives training device accidentally left by a private firm.
17 May British National Detained in Nepal: Martin Travers, a British national, was detained in Nepal for allegedly participating in protests against the Nepalese government, highlighting tensions in diplomatic and civil relations.
24 May Death penalty recommended for Charleston massacre perpetrator: On May 24, 2016, prosecutors in Charleston, South Carolina, recommended the death penalty for Dylann Roof, the perpetrator of the 2015 Charleston church shooting. Roof was convicted of killing nine African American churchgoers at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in June 2015. The recommendation followed a federal jury's decision to impose the death penalty. source: nytimes.com
25 May State Department Email Server Controversy: The State Department inspector general issued a critical report regarding Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server during her tenure as secretary of state. The report noted that similar practices were also employed by Colin Powell and Scott Gration, and highlighted systemic vulnerabilities in email management.
29 May Hissène Habré sentenced for crimes against humanity: Former Chadian dictator Hissène Habré was sentenced to life in prison by a court in Senegal for crimes against humanity, including torture and murder. This landmark ruling was seen as a significant step in international justice. source: bbc.com
01 Jun US Congress Investigates Bangladesh Bank Heist: A congressional committee launched an investigation into the Federal Reserve Bank of New York's handling of the 2016 Bangladesh Bank cyber heist, examining the asset seizure and investigation process.
02 Jun Mathura Land Dispute Turns Violent: A confrontation between police and a squatter gang in Mathura, India resulted in 24 fatalities and 368 arrests during an attempt to remove occupants from disputed land.
04 Jun Eastern Flight 980 Recorder Recovery: Hikers from Boston successfully recovered flight recorder casings, and potentially the flight recorder itself, from Eastern Flight 980, which crashed on Mount Illimani in Bolivia in 1985.
06 Jun Child Murder Case Perpetrators Released: Connell Watkins and Julie Ponder were freed after serving 16 years in prison for the murder and torture of Candace Newmaker.
08 Jun Gas Leak Causes Road Collapse Near Ottawa's Parliament: On June 8, 2016, a gas leak led to a road collapse near Ottawa's Canadian Parliament, prompting the evacuation of a nearby mall and hotel. Water and power services were disrupted in the area as a precautionary measure. source: cbc.ca
12 Jun Chad Hissene Habre appeal process concludes: The appeal process for former Chadian dictator Hissene Habre concluded on June 12, 2016. Habre was convicted of crimes against humanity and sentenced to life in prison in 2016. His appeal was heard by the African Union-backed court in Senegal. source: bbc.com
15 Jun Bridge Scaffolding Collapse in Germany: A tragic construction accident near Werneck, Germany, saw a bridge scaffolding collapse, killing one worker and seriously injuring six others, highlighting workplace safety concerns.
16 Jun British MP Jo Cox assassinated: On June 16, 2016, Jo Cox, a British Member of Parliament, was tragically shot and killed in her constituency in Birstall, West Yorkshire. The attack occurred shortly before she was scheduled to hold a constituency surgery. The assailant, later identified as Thomas Mair, was arrested at the scene. Cox's death led to an outpouring of grief and tributes across the UK.
17 Jun Sentencing in 2002 Gujarat Riots: An Indian court delivered justice for the 2002 Gujarat riots, sentencing dozens of individuals for their involvement in violence that resulted in the deaths of 69 Muslims in Ahmedabad, addressing a long-standing case of communal violence.
18 Jun Murder of Jo Cox: On June 18, 2016, Jo Cox, a British Member of Parliament, was tragically shot and killed in her constituency in Birstall, West Yorkshire. The attack occurred shortly before she was scheduled to hold a constituency surgery. The assailant, later identified as Thomas Mair, was arrested at the scene. Cox's death led to an outpouring of grief and tributes across the UK.
20 Jun U.S. Supreme Court overtime pay ruling: On June 20, 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on a case regarding overtime pay for workers, impacting labor laws and employee rights across the nation. The decision clarified the criteria for determining eligibility for overtime compensation. source: nytimes.com
21 Jun Jean-Pierre Bemba sentenced for war crimes: On June 21, 2016, former Congolese Vice President Jean-Pierre Bemba was sentenced to 18 years in prison for war crimes and crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court. This marked a significant ruling in international law. source: icc-cpi.int
24 Jun Philippine Drug War Escalates: Within a month of President Rodrigo Duterte's call for extrajudicial executions, over 50 people were killed in the Philippines for alleged drug dealing. Duterte expressed interest in reinstating capital punishment, suggesting he would like to see convicted criminals hanged.
26 Jun Capture of Ernesto Fazzalari: Italian authorities captured Ernesto Fazzalari, a key figure in the 'Ndrangheta organized crime syndicate, who had been on the run for over two decades. He was considered Italy's second most wanted fugitive, marking a significant law enforcement success.
27 Jun US Supreme Court strikes down Texas abortion law: On June 27, 2016, the US Supreme Court struck down a Texas law that imposed strict regulations on abortion clinics. The ruling was seen as a significant victory for abortion rights advocates, affirming that such regulations placed an undue burden on women seeking abortions. source: nytimes.com
28 Jun South African ruling on presidential misconduct: On June 28, 2016, South Africa's Constitutional Court ruled on a case involving presidential misconduct. The ruling addressed allegations against President Jacob Zuma regarding the misuse of public funds. This decision had significant implications for governance and accountability in South Africa. source: bbc.com
29 Jun LuxLeaks whistleblowers convicted in Luxembourg: On June 29, 2016, Antoine Deltour and Raphaël Halet, former employees of PricewaterhouseCoopers in Luxembourg, were convicted for leaking documents that exposed aggressive tax avoidance by multinational corporations. Deltour received a 12-month suspended sentence and a €1,500 fine, while Halet was sentenced to 9 months suspended and fined €1,000. Both planned to appeal the verdict. source: globalfreedomofexpression.columbia.edu
30 Jun UN Agrees to Investigate LGBT Violence: Despite opposition from multiple countries, the United Nations decides to appoint an observer to investigate violence against LGBT persons, signaling a growing international commitment to protecting LGBTQ+ rights.
01 Jul BOGUS: Duterte's Controversial Drug War Statement: Conflicting reports emerged about Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's statement regarding suspected drug users, highlighting the controversial nature of the country's drug war.
05 Jul Alton Sterling shooting: On July 5, 2016, Alton Sterling, a 37-year-old black man, was fatally shot by two Baton Rouge police officers outside a convenience store in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The incident, captured on video, led to widespread protests and a federal investigation into the use of excessive force. source: cnbc.com
06 Jul Oscar Pistorius murder sentencing: On July 6, 2016, South African Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius was sentenced to six years in prison for the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, in 2013. The sentencing followed a lengthy legal process and was met with public outcry, with many expressing concerns over the perceived leniency of the sentence. source: bbc.com
09 Jul Bahamas Issues US Travel Warning: In response to high-profile police shootings and civilian deaths, the Bahamas issued a rare travel warning to its citizens planning to visit the United States.
10 Jul Assassination of Cambodian Political Commentator: Kem Ley, a prominent Cambodian political commentator known for criticizing Prime Minister Hun Sen, was shot and killed at a gas station in Phnom Penh, raising concerns about political violence in Cambodia.
11 Jul Berrien County Courthouse Shooting: A tragic shooting occurred at the Berrien County Courthouse in Michigan, resulting in the deaths of at least three people.
12 Jul Kyrgyz Supreme Court Reviews Activist's Case: The Supreme Court of Kyrgyzstan revokes Azimzhan Askarov's life sentence and orders a lower court review, marking a significant moment for a recognized prisoner-of-conscience of Uzbek heritage.
13 Jul Amnesty International Reveals Human Rights Abuses in Egypt: Amnesty International published a report documenting widespread human rights violations in Egypt, including the forced disappearance and torture of hundreds of citizens as part of a government crackdown on dissent.
14 Jul Ruth Bader Ginsburg apologizes for Trump comments: Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg issued an apology for her earlier comments criticizing then-presidential candidate Donald Trump. Her remarks had sparked controversy regarding the propriety of a sitting justice commenting on political figures. source: nytimes.com
16 Jul FAA Travel Restrictions: The United States Federal Aviation Administration issued an extraordinary order prohibiting all airlines from flying between Turkey and the U.S., affecting both commercial and private aircraft travel.
17 Jul Bahrain Disbands Main Shia Opposition Group: The Bahrain High Civil Court in Manama disbanded Al Wefaq, the main Shia opposition group, accusing it of encouraging violence and terrorism in the Sunni-led island nation.
19 Jul Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Cleared of Plunder: Former Philippine president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was acquitted of plunder charges, a significant legal development in Philippine political history.
20 Jul Texas Voter ID Law Ruled Discriminatory: The United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit, confirmed earlier rulings that Texas' 2011 voter ID law is discriminatory and inconsistent with the Voting Rights Act.
23 Jul Leslie van Houten Parole Denied: California Governor Jerry Brown refuses parole to Leslie van Houten, a former Charles Manson cult follower convicted of murder, continuing to keep her imprisoned for her role in the infamous Manson Family killings.
25 Jul Turkey orders detentions of journalists following coup attempt: On July 25, 2016, Turkish authorities ordered the detention of journalists suspected of involvement in the failed coup attempt. The government accused them of spreading propaganda and supporting the coup plotters, leading to widespread concerns about press freedom and the suppression of dissent in the country. source: aljazeera.com
26 Jul Australia Launches Royal Commission into Youth Detention: Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced a Royal Commission into the Northern Territory's youth justice system after shocking footage revealed the abuse of Aboriginal children at the Don Dale Juvenile Detention Centre, leading to the dismissal of the Minister of Justice and Corrections.
27 Jul John Hinckley Jr. Released After 35 Years: Federal Judge Paul L. Friedman rules that John Hinckley Jr., who attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan in 1981, is safe for release after 35 years of hospitalization.
29 Jul Criminal charges in Flint water crisis: Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette announced criminal charges against six state employees for their roles in the Flint water crisis. The charges include misconduct in office, conspiracy, and tampering with evidence, alleging that the officials concealed information about elevated lead levels in Flint's water supply. source: time.com
31 Jul 2016 Turkish military purges: Following a failed coup attempt, the Turkish government initiated widespread purges within the military, resulting in the dismissal and arrest of thousands of personnel.
01 Aug France Arrests Suspects in Church Attack: French authorities detained two individuals connected to the murder of a priest in a Normandy church. One suspect, Farid K., was charged with 'terrorist association' and is a cousin of one of the attackers. The second suspect, Jean-Philippe Steven J, was alleged to have attempted to travel to Syria with the original attacker.
03 Aug Supreme Court Suspends Transgender Bathroom Policy: The United States Supreme Court granted an emergency request to Virginia school board to suspend a federal policy requiring students to use bathrooms corresponding to their gender identity, pending further legal review.
05 Aug PricewaterhouseCoopers Lawsuit: A U.S. district court judge approved a billion-dollar lawsuit against PricewaterhouseCoopers related to financial losses incurred by MF Global in October 2011, signaling potential legal accountability in corporate financial mismanagement.
09 Aug WikiLeaks Offers Reward in Seth Rich Murder Case: WikiLeaks offered a $20,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for the shooting death of Seth Rich, a 27-year-old Democratic National Committee staffer, in Bloomingdale, Washington, D.C.
10 Aug Belize Strikes Down Antisodomy Law: The Supreme Court of Belize ruled that the country's antisodomy law was unconstitutional, making Belize the last Central American nation to repeal such discriminatory legislation and marking a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ rights in the region.
12 Aug Brendan Dassey Conviction Overturned: A federal judge ordered the release of Brendan Dassey, who was wrongly convicted for the murder of Teresa Halbach, a case prominently featured in the Netflix documentary 'Making a Murderer'.
15 Aug Death of Dalian Atkinson after Police Taser Incident: Former English Premier League player Dalian Atkinson died after being tased by police in Telford, Shropshire, raising serious questions about police use of force.
16 Aug US court limits federal marijuana prosecution: On August 16, 2016, a U.S. federal court ruled that the federal government cannot prosecute individuals for marijuana possession in states where the substance is legal. This decision was seen as a significant step toward federal decriminalization of marijuana. source: cnn.com
17 Aug Manus Regional Processing Centre closure: On August 17, 2016, the Australian government announced the closure of the Manus Regional Processing Centre in Papua New Guinea. The facility had been used to detain asylum seekers attempting to reach Australia by boat, and its closure marked a significant shift in Australia's immigration policy. source: theguardian.com
18 Aug Obama administration to phase out private federal prisons: On August 18, 2016, the Obama administration announced plans to phase out the use of private prisons for federal inmates. This decision was based on findings that private prisons do not provide the same level of safety and security as government-run facilities. source: justice.gov
23 Aug Melania Trump Legal Action: Melania Trump announced legal action against The Daily Mail, Politico, and other media outlets for publishing allegations about her past, demonstrating her intent to protect her reputation.
28 Aug Manila Archbishop Condemns Philippine Drug War Killings: Luis Antonio Tagle, Archbishop of Manila, publicly condemned the extralegal killings and murders occurring during President Rodrigo Duterte's controversial drug war, highlighting growing international concern over human rights violations.
30 Aug Venezuelan opposition activists arrested: Several Venezuelan opposition activists were arrested by authorities, raising concerns about the government's crackdown on political dissent. source: aa.com.tr
05 Sep Philippine Drug War Casualties: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte reported that 2,400 people have been killed in the ongoing drug war, raising significant international concern about human rights violations.
10 Sep John Hinckley Jr. Released: After 35 years of institutionalization, John Hinckley Jr., the man who attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan in 1981, was released from a mental hospital by the District Court of Columbia.
11 Sep Iran: Prosecutor apologizes for 2009 detention center deaths: On September 11, 2016, Iran's prosecutor general publicly apologized for the deaths of detainees at Kahrizak detention center during the 2009 protests. This statement came amid ongoing scrutiny of the government's handling of dissent and human rights issues. source: reuters.com
15 Sep Sandra Bland case settlement: On September 15, 2016, a settlement was reached in the case of Sandra Bland, who died in a Texas jail in 2015. The settlement, amounting to $1.9 million, was intended to address claims of wrongful death and civil rights violations stemming from her arrest and subsequent death. source: nbcnews.com
16 Sep European Parliament Condemns Filipino Killings: The European Parliament issued a strong condemnation of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines, highlighting international concern over human rights violations during President Duterte's drug war.
20 Sep Cuban Volleyball Players Sentenced for Rape: Five members of Cuba's men's volleyball team were sentenced to prison by a Finnish court for a gang rape committed against a Finnish woman in Tampere during the FIVB Volleyball World League in July 2016.
21 Sep Volkswagen Emissions Scandal Lawsuits: A new wave of legal actions were initiated against Volkswagen regarding its ongoing emissions scandal, with lawyers filing multiple lawsuits.
22 Sep Federal Corruption Charges Announced: The Obama administration brought corruption charges against nine individuals, including a former close aide to Andrew Cuomo, alleging fraud and bribery in relation to large-scale state contracts.
23 Sep Tulsa officer charged in Terence Crutcher shooting: A Tulsa police officer was charged with manslaughter in the shooting death of Terence Crutcher, an unarmed Black man. The case drew national attention and sparked discussions about police use of force and racial justice. source: nytimes.com
25 Sep Assassination of Jordanian Cartoonist Nahed Hattar: A local Muslim preacher shot and killed Jordanian cartoonist and writer Nahed Hattar in front of an Amman courthouse. The gunman was immediately taken into custody by authorities, highlighting tensions surrounding freedom of expression.
26 Sep Iran Releases Canadian-Iranian Academic: Iran released Homa Hoodfar, a Canadian-Iranian sociocultural anthropologist who had been detained since June, signaling a potential diplomatic thaw as both countries initiated talks to restore diplomatic relations.
28 Sep Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act override: On September 28, 2016, the U.S. Congress voted to override President Obama's veto of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act. This law allows families of 9/11 victims to sue foreign governments for their alleged role in the attacks, raising concerns about diplomatic relations. source: nytimes.com
29 Sep Hoboken Train Accident: A tragic commuter train accident at Hoboken Terminal, New Jersey, resulted in one fatality and 114 injuries, with significant structural damage to the station, including parts of its roof collapsing.
30 Sep Alabama Judge Roy Moore Suspension: The Alabama Court of the Judiciary found Supreme Court Chief Judge Roy Moore guilty of six ethical violations, suspending him until 2019 for defying the Supreme Court's ruling on gay marriage.
02 Oct Mass Murder at Oguchi Hospital: A Japanese man was arrested for the horrific murder of 48 elderly patients at Oguchi Hospital in Yokohama, shocking the nation and raising serious questions about healthcare security and mental health.
03 Oct Massive Migrant Rescue Operation: The Italian coast guard conducted one of the largest single-day rescue operations, saving more than 5,600 migrants in the Mediterranean, underscoring the ongoing European migration crisis.
04 Oct Turkish Purges Continue: Following the July 2016 coup attempt, Turkey intensified its purges, dismissing thousands of civil servants, military personnel, and educators accused of involvement or support for the coup. These actions led to widespread criticism from international human rights organizations, which raised concerns about due process and the scale of the purges. source: hrw.org
06 Oct Pakistan Reforms Honour Killing Laws: On October 6, 2016, Pakistan's parliament passed a law to close loopholes in the legal system that allowed perpetrators of honor killings to escape punishment. The new legislation aimed to strengthen penalties and prevent the pardoning of offenders by victims' families, marking a significant step toward justice for victims. source: bbc.com
08 Oct Two Palm Springs police officers killed in line of duty: On October 8, 2016, in Palm Springs, California, police officers Jose 'Gil' Vega and Lesley Zerebny were fatally shot during a domestic violence call, marking the first such incident in the city since 1962. In 2017, a section of California State Route 111 was designated the 'Officer Jose 'Gil' Vega and Officer Lesley Zerebny Memorial Highway' in their honor. source: en.wikipedia.org
09 Oct Chinese official sentenced for corruption: On October 9, 2016, a Chinese official was sentenced to life imprisonment for corruption charges, highlighting the government's ongoing anti-corruption campaign. The official was found guilty of accepting bribes and embezzling state funds. source: reuters.com
12 Oct Concentrix Data Breach Exposes Personal Information: A significant data security incident occurred at Concentrix, a U.S. company contracted by the British government, where personal information including bank statements and National Insurance numbers were inadvertently sent to other claimants.
14 Oct Ched Evans Rape Trial Verdict: A jury found Welsh footballer Ched Evans not guilty, overturning his previous 2012 conviction and five-year imprisonment for rape.
16 Oct Firebombing of North Carolina Republican Party Headquarters: On October 16, 2016, the Orange County Republican Party headquarters in Hillsborough, North Carolina, was firebombed. A bottle of flammable liquid was thrown through the front window, causing significant damage. Graffiti, including a swastika and the phrase 'Nazi Republicans leave town or else,' was spray-painted on a nearby building. No injuries were reported. source: cbsnews.com
17 Oct Prison Violence in Brazil: At least 18 people were killed in Brazilian prisons due to violent clashes between rival gangs, underscoring the ongoing challenges of prison management and gang violence in the country.
19 Oct Mexican governor arrested for corruption: On October 19, 2016, the former governor of Veracruz, Javier Duarte, was arrested in Guatemala on charges of corruption and embezzlement. His arrest was part of a broader crackdown on corruption in Mexican politics. source: bbc.com
20 Oct NSA contractor charged with espionage: On October 20, 2016, a former NSA contractor was charged with espionage for leaking classified information. This case highlighted ongoing concerns about security and information leaks within U.S. intelligence agencies. source: nytimes.com
21 Oct South Africa Withdraws from ICC: South Africa officially began its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, following a dispute over the country's refusal to arrest Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir at a previous African Union summit.
22 Oct Prison Break in Haiti: A significant prison break occurred in Arcahaie, Haiti, with at least 174 inmates escaping. The incident resulted in one guard's death, prompting a manhunt supported by UN peacekeepers.
23 Oct Park Explosions in Utsunomiya, Japan: Two explosions in a park in Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture, resulted in one fatality and three injuries. The incident was reportedly caused by a 72-year-old ex-military officer, with the suspect's home being destroyed by fire the following day. This event raises questions about mental health and potential veteran support systems.
24 Oct Kathleen Kane Sentencing: Former Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane was sentenced by Judge Wendy Demchick-Alloy for multiple offenses, including leaking confidential grand jury information, perjury, and obstruction of justice.
25 Oct Elizabeth Wettlaufer serial killer charges: Elizabeth Wettlaufer, a former nurse in Canada, is charged with multiple counts of murder in connection with the deaths of several elderly patients. This case raises significant ethical and legal questions regarding healthcare and patient safety. source: cbc.ca
27 Oct San Francisco Police Suspend Philippine Training: The San Francisco Police Department terminated its training program with the Philippine National Police due to allegations of civil rights violations associated with the Philippine Drug War. This decision reflects growing international concern over human rights issues in the Philippines.
28 Oct Philippine Drug War Incident: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte publicly accused Samsudin Dimaukom, the Datu Saudi-Ampatuan Mayor, of involvement in the illegal drug trade. Dimaukom was subsequently killed along with nine other police officers in a controversial anti-drug operation.
30 Oct UN and Nigeria Agreement on Child Detainees: The United Nations and Nigerian authorities reached a landmark agreement to release 876 children who were detained on suspicion of potential links to the Boko Haram insurgency.
03 Nov Train Collision in Karachi, Pakistan: A tragic train collision between the Bahauddin Zkaria Express and a stationary train at Juma Gth Train station in Karachi, Pakistan, resulted in at least 22 fatalities and 65 injuries.
04 Nov Bridgegate Scandal: Guilty Verdict: On November 4, 2016, two former allies of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie were found guilty in the 'Bridgegate' scandal. The case involved the closure of lanes on the George Washington Bridge in 2013, allegedly for political retribution, leading to significant traffic disruptions. source: nytimes.com
05 Nov Philippine Drug War: Mayor Shot Dead: On November 5, 2016, Mayor Rolando Espinosa of Albuera, Leyte, Philippines, was killed in a police operation targeting alleged drug personalities. His death sparked controversy and debates over the conduct of the anti-drug campaign. source: bbc.com
09 Nov State Marijuana Legalization: Multiple states approved marijuana initiatives, including recreational use in California, Massachusetts, and Nevada, and medical marijuana in Arkansas and Florida, signaling a significant shift in drug policy.
12 Nov FBI's Dark Web Child Pornography Investigation: Documents from the American Civil Liberties Union revealed that the FBI operated 23 child pornography websites from a government facility as part of an effort to identify and apprehend site users, raising significant legal and ethical questions.
13 Nov Volkswagen Emissions Scandal Lawsuit: A class action lawsuit was filed in the U.S. Federal Court in Illinois, alleging that Volkswagen used emission defeat devices in at least six Audi V6 gasoline engines, continuing the ongoing emissions scandal.
15 Nov Sandy Hook families challenge Remington: On November 15, 2016, families of Sandy Hook victims filed a lawsuit against Remington Arms, the manufacturer of the rifle used in the shooting. The case aimed to hold the company accountable for its marketing practices. source: nytimes.com
17 Nov Rio de Janeiro Governor Arrested in Corruption Probe: Former Rio de Janeiro governor Sergio Cabral was arrested as part of an ongoing corruption investigation, signaling continued efforts to combat political corruption in Brazil.
18 Nov Brendan Dassey's Appeal Denied: The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit rejected Brendan Dassey's appeal for release, maintaining his conviction despite widespread public interest generated by the 'Making a Murderer' documentary series.
22 Nov Mediterranean migration crisis and German court decision: On November 22, 2016, a German court ruled on a case related to the Mediterranean migration crisis, impacting asylum policies. The decision was covered by various news organizations. source: dw.com
23 Nov Thomas Mair convicted of Jo Cox murder: On November 23, 2016, Thomas Mair was found guilty of murdering British politician Jo Cox. The 53-year-old was sentenced to life imprisonment with a whole life order, meaning he will never be eligible for parole. Mair's actions were deemed politically motivated, aiming to advance white supremacist and nationalist ideologies. source: time.com
27 Nov Mass Shooting in New Orleans' French Quarter: A shooting occurred in the French Quarter following the Bayou Classic football match, resulting in one fatality and nine injuries. Police arrested two suspects, one of whom was wounded during the incident.
28 Nov Dakota Access Pipeline Protests: North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple issues an executive order to expel thousands of Native American protesters and environmentalists camping on federal property near the pipeline site. The governor claims an 'emergency evacuation' is necessary to protect protesters from winter storms, escalating tensions in the ongoing pipeline dispute.
04 Dec Dakota Access Pipeline Permit Denied: The United States Army Corps of Engineers denied a permit to Energy Transfer Partners' Dakota Access Pipeline, agreeing to explore alternative routes after weeks of extensive protests.
06 Dec Amnesty International Condemns Saudi Death Sentences: Amnesty International condemned Saudi Arabia for issuing death sentences against 15 individuals, calling the trials unfair and politically motivated. source: amnesty.org
09 Dec Geert Wilders Hate Speech Conviction: Dutch populist politician Geert Wilders was convicted of hate speech, a landmark legal decision addressing discriminatory rhetoric in public discourse.
14 Dec Global Journalist Imprisonment Report: According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, 259 journalists worldwide were imprisoned as of December 1, with 81 of those in Turkey.
15 Dec Dylann Roof convicted in Charleston church shooting: On December 15, 2016, Dylann Roof was convicted on all 33 federal charges related to the 2015 shooting at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. The charges included hate crimes and obstruction of religion. Roof's actions, which resulted in the deaths of nine African American church members, were deemed a racially motivated attack. The conviction led to discussions on race relations and gun control in the United States. source: cnn.com
21 Dec Financial Regulatory Penalties: The U.S. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority fines Wells Fargo and RBC Capital Markets $14.4 million each for failing to maintain proper record-keeping practices that could have allowed document alterations.
22 Dec Human rights investigation into Philippine drug war: On December 22, 2016, the UN announced an investigation into human rights abuses related to the Philippine government's war on drugs. The campaign has been criticized for extrajudicial killings and violations of human rights. source: bbc.com
27 Dec Blasphemy Prosecution in Jakarta: Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, the Christian Governor of Jakarta, Indonesia, will face prosecution for blasphemy, highlighting religious tensions in the region.
28 Dec Investigation into Netanyahu's Alleged Corruption: Israel's Attorney General, Avichai Mandelblit, initiated an investigation into two potential corruption cases involving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
29 Dec Queen Denies OBE to Hillsborough Researcher: Queen Elizabeth II declined to grant Professor Phil Scraton an OBE in the 2017 New Year Honours List, despite his seminal work on the Hillsborough tragedy. His book 'Hillsborough: The Truth', first published in 1990, is considered the definitive account of the event.
30 Dec Murder of Greek Ambassador in Brazil: The body of Kyriakos Amiridis, the Greek Ambassador to Brazil, was found in a burned-out car near Rio de Janeiro. A military police officer who had an affair with the ambassador's wife was arrested, along with an accomplice.
31 Dec Helsinki Traffic Incident: In Helsinki, Finland, an unidentified driver caused a public safety incident by speeding and veering into a crowd, resulting in 7 injuries. Authorities quickly investigated and determined that the event was not a deliberate attack.

What happened in 2016?

Discover what the world looked like in 2016:

Discover 2016 2016 Historical Events 2016 Nobel Prize Winners 2016 Most Popular Baby Names 2016 Chinese Horoscope 2016 Movies 2016 TV Series 2016 Academy Awards 2016 Books 2016 VideoGames