2019 Law & Justice Events — Verified Historical Highlights

2019 Law & Justice Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to

01 Jan Austria Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage: Austria officially legalized same-sex marriage, expanding civil rights and recognizing equal marriage opportunities for LGBTQ+ couples.
03 Jan Serial Killer Execution: China executed Gao Chengyong, a serial killer responsible for murdering 11 girls and women between 1988 and 2002, concluding a long-standing criminal case.
07 Jan Cyntoia Brown granted clemency by Tennessee Governor: On January 7, 2019, Cyntoia Brown was granted clemency by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam after serving 15 years of a life sentence for the 2004 murder of a man who solicited her for sex. Brown's case had drawn national attention, leading to widespread calls for her release. source: npr.org
08 Jan Humboldt Broncos Bus Crash Trial: Jaskirat Sidhu pleaded guilty to 29 charges related to the Humboldt Broncos bus crash, including 16 counts of dangerous vehicle operation causing death and 13 counts causing bodily injury.
09 Jan Israeli Minister Convicted of Espionage: Gonen Segev, a former Israeli minister, pleaded guilty to spying for Iran and was sentenced to 11 years in prison, marking a significant national security case.
12 Jan Wikipedia Censorship in Venezuela: During an ongoing political crisis, Venezuela's state-owned CANTV blocked access to all Wikipedia editions, representing a significant act of digital censorship.
13 Jan Cesare Battisti extradited to Italy: On January 13, 2019, former Italian left-wing militant Cesare Battisti was extradited from Brazil to Italy. Battisti had been convicted in absentia for four murders committed in the 1970s and had been living in Brazil for several years before his arrest and extradition. source: reuters.com
14 Jan Canadian sentenced to death in China for drug smuggling: On January 14, 2019, Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, a Canadian citizen, was sentenced to death by a Chinese court for drug smuggling. This decision followed a retrial in Liaoning province, where the court found him guilty of a more serious drug-related offense. The case intensified diplomatic tensions between Canada and China, especially after Canada's arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in December 2018. source: cnbc.com
15 Jan Laurent Gbagbo acquitted: On January 15, 2019, former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo was acquitted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) of charges related to post-election violence in 2010-2011. The ICC ruled that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt, leading to Gbagbo's release after seven years of detention. source: aljazeera.com
17 Jan Murder of Ghanaian Investigative Journalist: Ahmed Hussein Sule, a prominent Ghanaian journalist known for exposing corruption in the Ghana Football Association through Tiger Eye Private Investigations, was assassinated by motorbike-riding gunmen in Accra. His murder underscores the risks faced by investigative journalists challenging systemic corruption.
18 Jan Flint water crisis legal proceedings: On January 18, 2019, legal proceedings related to the Flint water crisis were ongoing. The crisis began in 2014 when the city's water source was switched to the Flint River, leading to lead contamination and a public health emergency. Legal actions were being taken against officials for their roles in the crisis. source: en.wikipedia.org
23 Jan New York Expands Abortion Rights: New York passes the Reproductive Health Act, significantly expanding abortion rights in the state and providing more comprehensive healthcare protections for women.
24 Jan Former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond arrested on multiple charges: On January 24, 2019, former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond was arrested by Police Scotland and charged with 14 offences, including two counts of attempted rape, nine of sexual assault, two of indecent assault, and one of breach of the peace. The charges involved ten women, including an SNP politician, a party worker, and several current and former Scottish Government civil servants. Salmond pleaded not guilty to all charges, and on March 23, 2020, he was acquitted of all charges. source: bbc.com
25 Jan Roger Stone indicted in Russia investigation: On January 25, 2019, Roger Stone, a longtime associate of U.S. President Donald Trump, was indicted by a federal grand jury on seven counts, including obstruction of justice, making false statements, and witness tampering. The indictment was part of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Stone pleaded not guilty to all charges. source: cnbc.com
28 Jan Pecan Park Police Raid Controversy: A controversial police raid in Harris County resulted in two homeowners being killed and five officers injured. Subsequent investigations revealed that an officer had falsely claimed the presence of drugs, raising serious questions about police conduct and accountability.
29 Jan Asia Bibi Blasphemy Case: On January 29, 2019, Asia Bibi, a Pakistani Christian woman, was acquitted of blasphemy charges by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The case had drawn international attention due to concerns over religious freedom and the use of blasphemy laws in Pakistan. source: bbc.com
30 Jan Suspicious Items Near Eugene Police Station: Local authorities in Eugene investigated suspected incendiary items discovered near the police station, with the investigation ongoing at the time of reporting.
31 Jan Texas Catholic leaders reveal extensive child abuse allegations: Catholic leaders in Texas disclosed extensive allegations of child abuse within the church, leading to public outrage and calls for accountability. source: nytimes.com
02 Feb Cincinnati Sheriff's Deputy Killed in Standoff: A tragic incident in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, resulted in the death of a sheriff's deputy during a 12-hour standoff. Another deputy was wounded, and the suspect was ultimately taken into custody.
03 Feb Rapper 21 Savage Arrested by ICE: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained rapper 21 Savage, alleging he was a British national who had been illegally residing in the United States since his visa expired in July 2006.
04 Feb Hakeem al Araibi Extradition Case: A 25-year-old Australian footballer and Bahraini refugee, Hakeem al Araibi, faced an extradition hearing in Bangkok after being detained in November 2018. The international community viewed his case as a significant human rights matter, with growing campaigns for his release and return to Australia.
05 Feb Pope acknowledges nun sexual abuse scandal: On February 5, 2019, Pope Francis acknowledged the sexual abuse scandal involving nuns within the Catholic Church. He expressed deep concern and called for measures to address the issue, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice for the victims. source: bbc.com
07 Feb Sierra Leone Declares National Emergency on Sexual Violence: Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio declared a national emergency in response to the doubling of rape and sexual assault instances, signaling urgent governmental action against gender-based violence.
08 Feb Bruce McArthur serial killer sentencing: On February 8, 2019, Canadian serial killer Bruce McArthur was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 25 years. McArthur was convicted of eight counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of men from Toronto's LGBTQ community. source: cbc.ca
10 Feb Sexual Assault Allegations Against Former Costa Rican President: The number of women alleging sexual assault against former Costa Rica President Óscar Arias Sánchez increased to nine.
11 Feb Oulu Child Sexual Abuse Investigation: Finnish police initiated an investigation into new rape cases in Oulu, Finland, expanding their probe into a serious child sexual abuse scandal that had previously garnered national attention.
13 Feb Manafort Plea Agreement Violation: U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson ruled that Paul Manafort, former Trump campaign chairman, violated his plea agreement with Special Counsel Robert Mueller. Manafort was found to have intentionally lied about three of five issues to federal investigators and the grand jury.
14 Feb William Barr Confirmed as US Attorney General: The U.S. Senate confirmed William Barr as the United States Attorney General with a vote of 54 to 45, marking a significant appointment in the Trump administration.
18 Feb States sue Trump over border emergency: A coalition of states filed a lawsuit against President Trump over his national emergency declaration for border wall funding. The lawsuit challenged the legality of reallocating funds without congressional approval. source: nbcnews.com
19 Feb New York City Bans Hair Discrimination: New York City enacted legislation to prohibit discrimination based on hairstyles, aimed at preventing racial stereotyping and protecting individuals from bias related to their natural hair.
20 Feb Timbs v. Indiana Supreme Court Ruling: On February 20, 2019, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled in Timbs v. Indiana that the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on excessive fines applies to state and local governments. This decision limits the ability of states to impose excessive fines and seize property, ensuring that such actions are subject to constitutional scrutiny. source: brennancenter.org
21 Feb North Carolina Election Controversy: North Carolina election authorities unanimously authorized a new election for the 9th congressional district after an investigation revealed improper handling of absentee votes by the Republican candidate, Mark Harris.
22 Feb R. Kelly Sexual Abuse Charges: On February 22, 2019, singer R. Kelly was charged with multiple counts of sexual abuse involving underage girls. The charges were brought after a lengthy investigation and were part of a broader movement addressing sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry. source: cnn.com
23 Feb Suspected Poisoning of Venezuelan Opposition Deputy: Venezuelan opposition deputy Freddy Superlano and his assistant were poisoned in Cucuta, Colombia. His cousin and assistant, Carlos Salinas, died, while Superlano remained in serious but stable condition at the hospital.
24 Feb Selective Service System Constitutional Challenge: A federal judge ruled that excluding women from the Selective Service System is unconstitutional, potentially signaling a significant shift in military draft policies.
25 Feb ICJ Rules on Chagos Archipelago Sovereignty: On February 25, 2019, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that the United Kingdom's continued administration of the Chagos Archipelago was illegal and ordered the UK to withdraw its administration within six months. The ruling was a significant victory for Mauritius, which had been seeking sovereignty over the islands.
26 Feb Cardinal George Pell Convicted of Sexual Abuse: Australian Cardinal George Pell was convicted of sexually assaulting two teenage choirboys at Melbourne's St Patrick's Cathedral. This landmark case marked the highest-ranking Catholic Church official to be convicted of sexual offenses in history.
27 Feb Deadly Train Accident in Cairo: A catastrophic train accident and subsequent fire at Ramses Station in Cairo, Egypt, kills at least 25 people. The incident leads to the resignation of Egyptian Transport Minister Hisham Aramfat, which is accepted by Prime Minister Mostafa Mabouly.
28 Feb Netanyahu indictment: On February 28, 2019, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was indicted on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The charges stemmed from three separate cases involving alleged corruption. Netanyahu denied the allegations and claimed that the charges were politically motivated. The indictment came amid ongoing protests and calls for his resignation. source: reuters.com
02 Mar Drunk Driving Tragedy: Tashonty Toney, son of a police officer, was charged with multiple serious offenses including vehicular homicide after a tragic incident where he, while intoxicated and under the influence of drugs, killed two cyclists and injured seven others.
04 Mar Germany to Modify Nationality Law for Militant Deportations: Germany announced plans to amend its nationality law, enabling the deportation of dual citizens who have been involved with foreign militant groups such as ISIL, reinforcing its stance on combating international terrorism.
07 Mar Paul Manafort sentenced to 47 months in prison for tax and bank fraud: Former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort was sentenced to 47 months in prison for tax and bank fraud related to his work advising Ukrainian politicians. Judge T.S. Ellis III imposed the sentence, capping the only jury trial following indictments stemming from special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation. source: pbs.org
08 Mar Chelsea Manning Jailed for Grand Jury Refusal: Chelsea Manning was imprisoned for refusing to testify before a federal grand jury investigating the WikiLeaks document release, highlighting tensions around government transparency and whistleblower rights.
11 Mar UK Financial Reporting Reform: In response to independent review criticisms after major corporate collapses, the United Kingdom announced the abolishment of the Financial Reporting Council, to be replaced by the Audit, Reporting and Governance Authority with enhanced powers and new leadership.
12 Mar Cardinal George Pell Sexual Abuse Conviction: Cardinal George Pell, the highest-ranking Catholic Church official, was sentenced to six years in prison for sexually abusing two children in the late 1990s, marking a significant moment in addressing institutional sexual abuse.
13 Mar Paul Manafort Legal Proceedings: On March 13, 2019, Paul Manafort, former campaign chairman for U.S. President Donald Trump, was sentenced to an additional 3.5 years in prison for financial crimes, including tax fraud and bank fraud. This sentence was added to his previous 47-month sentence, resulting in a total of 7 years in prison. source: cnbc.com
14 Mar Paul Manafort Receives Additional Prison Sentence: Paul Manafort, former campaign chairman for President Trump, was sentenced to an additional 43 months in prison, complementing his previous 47-month sentence. This development was a significant moment in the ongoing legal investigations surrounding the 2016 presidential campaign.
15 Mar U.S. Blocks ICC Investigators: U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo prohibited International Criminal Court investigators from entering the United States to investigate potential war crimes committed by U.S. military personnel in Afghanistan.
19 Mar Guatemala Election Legal Drama: In the 2019 Guatemalan General Election, a judge issues an arrest warrant for presidential candidate Thelma Aldana. However, her registration by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal provides her with legal immunity, preventing her arrest.
20 Mar Google antitrust fine: On March 20, 2019, the European Commission imposed a €1.49 billion fine on Google for antitrust violations related to its AdSense advertising service. The Commission found that Google had abused its market dominance by imposing restrictive clauses in contracts with third-party websites, hindering competition and innovation in the online advertising market. source: ec.europa.eu
21 Mar New Zealand bans military-style semiautomatic weapons: In response to the Christchurch mosque shootings, New Zealand's government announced a ban on military-style semiautomatic weapons. The legislation aims to enhance public safety and prevent future mass shootings. The ban was enacted swiftly following the tragic events that shocked the nation. source: bbc.com
25 Mar Xarelto Litigation Settlement: Johnson & Johnson and Bayer reached a $775 million settlement to resolve approximately 25,000 lawsuits alleging that their drug Xarelto caused severe, sometimes fatal bleeding episodes. The companies had previously successfully defended the drug's safety in six trial cases.
26 Mar Jussie Smollett Charges Dropped: All criminal charges against actor Jussie Smollett for allegedly filing false police reports were unexpectedly dropped by prosecutors.
27 Mar James Alex Fields convicted of Charlottesville hate crimes: On March 27, 2019, James Alex Fields was convicted of multiple hate crimes related to the 2017 Charlottesville rally. The conviction was a significant moment in the ongoing fight against hate and extremism in the U.S. source: nytimes.com
28 Mar Supreme Court upholds bump stock ban: On March 28, 2019, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to a federal ban on bump stocks, devices that allow semi-automatic rifles to fire more rapidly. This decision upheld a lower court ruling, reinforcing the legality of the ban implemented after the 2017 Las Vegas shooting. source: nytimes.com
30 Mar Egyptian Court Sentences Terrorism Suspects: An Egyptian court sentences 38 men for plotting an attack on an Alexandria church, with 18 receiving life sentences and 12 others sentenced to 10-15 years imprisonment.
31 Mar Malta Migrant Hijacking Charges: Three teenage migrants were formally charged in Malta for their involvement in the hijacking of the Elhiblu 1 vessel, highlighting complex migration and maritime security issues.
02 Apr Mar-a-Lago Security Breach: A U.S. District Court criminal complaint reveals a Chinese woman was arrested for illegally entering President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. She was found with multiple passports, four smartphones, and a thumb drive containing malware.
03 Apr House Judiciary authorizes Mueller report subpoena: On April 3, 2019, the U.S. House Judiciary Committee authorized a subpoena for the full Mueller report on Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. The decision aimed to make the report publicly available, despite redactions, to ensure transparency and accountability. The move was part of ongoing efforts to investigate and understand the extent of foreign interference in U.S. elections. source: cnn.com
04 Apr Australia Passes Internet Censorship Law: In response to the Christchurch mosque shootings, the Australian Parliament enacted legislation making it illegal for internet platforms and service providers to host videos depicting 'abhorrent violent conduct' without promptly removing such content.
05 Apr Julian Assange Facing Potential Expulsion: WikiLeaks reported that Julian Assange was on the verge of losing his asylum status at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London. The Ecuadorian government had reportedly reached an agreement with the United Kingdom that would lead to Assange's imminent arrest.
06 Apr European Migrant Crisis: Border Tensions at North Macedonia: Greek police confronted hundreds of migrants attempting to enter North Macedonia after social media rumors circulated about a potential border opening at the Diavata refugee camps.
07 Apr Fatal Military Shooting in Rio de Janeiro: A civilian was killed after his car was struck by over 80 bullets from Brazilian military personnel. The vehicle was mistakenly targeted, originally believed to be carrying criminals.
09 Apr College Admissions Bribery Scandal Continues: In the ongoing 2019 College Admissions Bribery Scandal, 16 additional people were indicted on new charges, just a day after 13 defendants had already agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy, revealing widespread corruption in college admissions.
10 Apr Major Medicare Fraud Charges: The United States Federal Government charges 24 individuals in a massive Medicare fraud scheme involving fraudulent billing of nearly $1.2 billion for unnecessary medical braces through telemarketing and durable equipment companies.
11 Apr South Korea's landmark abortion ruling: The Constitutional Court of South Korea ruled that the country's abortion ban was unconstitutional, marking a significant shift in reproductive rights. The ruling allows for legal abortions under certain circumstances, reflecting changing societal attitudes. source: reuters.com
12 Apr Ohio abortion legislation passed: Ohio lawmakers passed a controversial bill banning abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected, which can occur as early as six weeks into pregnancy. The legislation faced significant opposition and legal challenges. source: npr.org
13 Apr Cyprus Serial Killer Investigation Begins: The discovery of a 38-year-old Filipino woman's body in an abandoned mine triggered a major criminal investigation, ultimately revealing a potential serial killer case with at least six victims identified.
14 Apr Melbourne Nightclub Shooting: A drive-by shooting at a Melbourne nightclub resulted in two fatalities and two additional injuries, highlighting urban violence concerns.
17 Apr Former Peruvian President Alan Garcia Dies: Alan Garcia, former Peruvian President, dies by suicide after being served an arrest warrant for corruption charges, marking a dramatic end to his political career.
18 Apr Sentencing in Bishop International Airport terrorism case: On April 18, 2019, a federal judge sentenced Amor Ftouhi to life in prison for stabbing a police officer at Bishop International Airport in Flint, Michigan, in 2017. Ftouhi, a Canadian citizen, was convicted of terrorism charges for the attack, which was deemed an act of terrorism. source: justice.gov
23 Apr Murder of Karina Vetrano: A US court sentenced Chanel Lewis to life imprisonment without parole for the 2016 murder of Karina Vetrano while she was running in Queens. The defense's request for a retrial was denied by the judge.
24 Apr Execution of John William King for hate crime murder: On April 24, 2019, John William King was executed in Texas for the 1998 hate crime murder of a Black man, James Byrd Jr. This case highlighted issues of racial violence and the death penalty in the United States. source: nbcnews.com
25 Apr Federal Court Blocks Trump's Abortion Gag Rule: A Washington State federal court issued an interim injunction preventing the Trump administration's initiative that would have restricted abortion-related discussions in federally funded family planning centers.
27 Apr NRA Leadership Transition: Oliver North resigns as president of the National Rifle Association amid an investigation launched by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
28 Apr Multiple Murders in Sumner County, Tennessee: A horrific crime scene was discovered in Sumner County, Tennessee, where seven victims were found dead. The suspect, Michael Cummins, was taken into police custody following the multiple homicides.
29 Apr Potential Terrorist Plot Prevented: A US Army veteran was intercepted while planning to bomb a white nationalist rally in retaliation for the New Zealand shooting. The individual was also planning potential attacks targeting Jewish communities.
30 Apr Canadian Citizen Sentenced to Death in China: Fan Wei, a Canadian citizen in China, was sentenced to death for methamphetamine production and trafficking. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland condemned the death penalty, requesting clemency.
01 May Julian Assange sentenced in UK: On May 1, 2019, Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, was sentenced in the United Kingdom to 50 weeks in prison for skipping bail in 2012. Assange had been arrested in April 2019 after being evicted from the Ecuadorian embassy in London, where he had sought asylum for nearly seven years. The sentencing was part of the legal proceedings following his extradition to the U.S. on charges related to the publication of classified documents. source: bbc.com
05 May Myanmar Pardons Reuters Journalists: Myanmar President Win Myint pardoned two Reuters journalists, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, who had been imprisoned for over 500 days after being charged with possession of classified documents under the Official Secrets Act.
06 May Brunei Announces Moratorium on Controversial Laws: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei announced a moratorium on the death penalty for gay sex and adultery following widespread international condemnation of newly introduced Sharia laws.
07 May Myanmar Pardons Reuters Journalists: Myanmar President Win Myint pardoned Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, two Reuters journalists who had been imprisoned for over 500 days. They were originally charged with possessing classified documents while investigating the Inn Din massacre.
08 May Taiwan's Anti-Espionage Law: Taiwan passed a stringent law making Chinese espionage punishable by life imprisonment or potentially death, reflecting heightened cross-strait tensions and national security concerns.
09 May Montenegro Sentences Russian Officials: Russian officials were sentenced in Montenegro for their involvement in a 2016 coup attempt to overthrow the government, revealing ongoing geopolitical tensions and attempts to destabilize emerging democracies.
10 May House Committee Subpoenas Trump's Tax Returns: The United States House Committee on Ways and Means issued a subpoena to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig, demanding President Donald Trump's federal tax returns from the past six years.
11 May Harvard dean's controversial defense: On May 11, 2019, a Harvard University dean faced controversy after defending a faculty member accused of sexual misconduct. The dean's remarks sparked widespread criticism and discussions about the university's handling of such allegations. source: nytimes.com
12 May Syria's secret torture network exposed: On May 12, 2019, a report by the United Nations revealed a secret network of detention centers in Syria where detainees were subjected to torture and abuse. The findings highlighted severe human rights violations committed by the Syrian government during the ongoing civil war. source: un.org
13 May US Election Interference Investigation: US Attorney General William Barr appointed John Durham, a Republican US attorney from Connecticut, to investigate the origins of the Crossfire Hurricane investigation and potential criminality surrounding the 2016 election interference probe.
15 May Alabama passes strict abortion ban: On May 15, 2019, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed into law a bill banning nearly all abortions in the state, making it the most restrictive abortion law in the United States at that time. The law included exceptions only for cases where the mother's life was at risk or if the fetus had a lethal anomaly. source: cbsnews.com
17 May US House passes Equality Act: On May 17, 2019, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Equality Act, a bill aimed at expanding civil rights protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. source: cbsnews.com
20 May Native American Hunting Rights Supreme Court Case: In Herrera v. Wyoming, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of a Native American elk hunting scout, affirming that the 1868 Crow Nation treaty remains valid even after Wyoming's statehood, granting tribe members hunting rights on unoccupied lands.
22 May Court rules on Trump financial records case: On May 22, 2019, a court ruled that President Trump's financial records must be made available to Congress. This decision was a significant development in the ongoing investigations into Trump's business dealings. source: nytimes.com
23 May Julian Assange indicted under Espionage Act: On May 23, 2019, Julian Assange was indicted under the Espionage Act for his role in publishing classified documents. This marked a significant moment in the ongoing legal battles surrounding Assange and press freedom. source: theguardian.com
24 May ACLU and Planned Parenthood sue Alabama over abortion ban: On May 24, 2019, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Planned Parenthood filed a lawsuit against Alabama, challenging the state's new abortion ban, which lacked exceptions for cases involving rape or incest. The lawsuit argued that the ban conflicted with the precedent set by Roe v. Wade and decades of Supreme Court rulings affirming its core principles. source: axios.com
27 May Romanian Court Upholds Corruption Conviction: Romania's Supreme Court rejected Social Democratic Party leader Liviu Dragnea's appeal against his three-and-a-half-year prison sentence for corruption, solidifying his conviction.
28 May Huawei challenges U.S. government telecommunications ban: Huawei filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government, challenging a ban that restricted the company's access to the American telecommunications market, citing constitutional violations. source: reuters.com
29 May First UK MP Removed by Recall Petition: Fiona Onasanya became the first Member of Parliament in UK history to be removed from her position through a successful recall petition, following her conviction for perverting the course of justice. This event triggered a by-election to elect a replacement MP.
30 May Louisiana passes heartbeat abortion bill: Louisiana's legislature passed a bill banning most abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected, with exceptions for medical emergencies, making it one of the strictest abortion laws in the U.S. source: nytimes.com
31 May Virginia Beach Municipal Building Shooting: On May 31, 2019, a shooting occurred at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center in Virginia, USA, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
02 Jun San Marino Referendum on Discrimination and Electoral Reform: San Marino held a referendum voting to end discrimination based on sexual orientation and initiate a legislative process to reform the electoral system.
03 Jun Canadian inquiry declares Indigenous women deaths 'national genocide': A Canadian government inquiry concluded that the deaths and disappearances of Indigenous women and girls over recent decades constitute a "national genocide," attributing the violence to systemic discrimination and colonial policies. source: aljazeera.com
04 Jun Stoneman Douglas shooting deputy arrested: A deputy from the Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, was arrested on charges related to the 2018 school shooting, raising questions about law enforcement's response during the incident. source: reuters.com
05 Jun Australian Federal Police Raid Media Outlets: Australian federal police conducted raids on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's headquarters and a journalist's home, related to a 2017 investigation into alleged misconduct by Australian Special Forces and potential national security information leaks.
06 Jun NYPD apologizes for Stonewall Inn raid: The New York Police Department issued an apology for the 1969 Stonewall Inn raid, acknowledging its role in the LGBTQ+ community's struggles. source: reuters.com
08 Jun Arrest and Alleged Abuse of Journalist Ivan Golunov: In June 2019, Russian journalist Ivan Golunov was arrested on charges of drug trafficking, which were widely believed to be fabricated; his arrest sparked protests and debates over press freedom in Russia. source: theguardian.com
09 Jun Drunk Driving Tragedy in Illinois: A police officer under the influence of alcohol crashed into an Illinois restaurant, resulting in a fatal accident that killed a woman, underscoring the dangers of impaired driving.
10 Jun Indian court sentences men for rape and murder: On June 10, 2019, an Indian court sentenced six men to death for the 2012 gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old woman in Delhi. The case, which sparked nationwide protests and led to significant legal reforms, concluded with the court's decision to impose the death penalty on the convicts. source: bbc.com
11 Jun Botswana decriminalizes homosexuality: On June 11, 2019, Botswana's High Court ruled to decriminalize same-sex relations between consenting adults, declaring that laws criminalizing homosexuality were unconstitutional. The landmark decision was hailed as a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ rights in Africa. source: bbc.com
12 Jun Illinois abortion rights law: On June 12, 2019, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed into law the Reproductive Health Act, which codified the right to abortion in the state. The law was enacted in response to potential challenges to Roe v. Wade and aimed to protect reproductive rights in Illinois. source: npr.org
13 Jun Flint water crisis legal developments: On June 13, 2019, legal proceedings related to the Flint water crisis continued, with various lawsuits addressing the contamination of the city's water supply. The crisis, which began in 2014, has led to ongoing health and legal issues for residents. source: npr.org
14 Jun Transgender Military Service Legal Reconsideration: The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ordered U.S. District Judge Marsha Pechman to reconsider her previous decision regarding transgender military personnel. The court suggested that her initial ruling did not sufficiently respect military judgment, potentially impacting transgender service members' status.
18 Jun Corruption Allegations in Venezuelan Opposition: Venezuelan Interim President Juan Guaido and Ambassador Humberto Kalderon Berti requested a Colombian government investigation into two alliance administrators suspected of embezzling US$100,000.
19 Jun Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 murder trial: On June 19, 2019, the trial for the murder of those aboard Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 began in the Netherlands. The flight was shot down over Ukraine in 2014, and the trial aimed to hold accountable those responsible for the tragedy. source: bbc.com
20 Jun Ransomware Attack on Riviera Beach: The city of Riviera Beach, Florida, paid a $600,000 ransom to hackers who had taken control of local government computer systems, highlighting the growing threat of cybercrime to municipal infrastructure.
21 Jun UK Parliamentary Recall Petition: Chris Davies, Member of Parliament for Breconshire and Radnorshire, was removed from his position following a successful recall petition initiated after his conviction for fraudulent expense claims. A by-election is planned to replace him.
22 Jun British Foreign Office Minister Suspended: Mark Field, a British Foreign Office Minister, was suspended after physically assaulting a Greenpeace activist during a diplomatic event. The incident raised significant questions about professional conduct and appropriate behavior among government officials.
25 Jun Illinois Legalizes Recreational Cannabis: Illinois became the 11th U.S. state to legalize recreational cannabis use. Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the bill into law, which also includes provisions to expunge criminal records for possession of less than 30 grams of cannabis, marking a significant shift in drug policy.
26 Jun Former Gambian President Accused of Rape: In June 2019, former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh was accused of rape and sexual abuse by three women, including beauty queen Fatou Jallow. The allegations were reported by Human Rights Watch and TRIAL International, highlighting a pattern of coercive and violent actions by Jammeh and his aides. Jammeh has denied the allegations and has not been formally charged. source: hrw.org
29 Jun Federal Judge Blocks Border Wall Funding: A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration cannot use military funds to construct a wall at the southern border, challenging the administration's immigration and border security strategies.
30 Jun Bizarre Murder Case in Japan: Japanese police in Toyonaka arrested Ryotaro Taniguchi for allegedly keeping his mother's body for a year. The suspect claimed he didn't want to pay for a funeral. Authorities are investigating whether he continued receiving his mother's pension during this time.
03 Jul Otto Warmbier Case: Parents Seek Compensation: The parents of Otto Warmbier filed a claim to seize a North Korean cargo ship to collect a $501 million judgment they obtained after suing North Korea for their son's tragic death, continuing their pursuit of justice.
04 Jul Machete Attack in Petersburg, Virginia: A 20-year-old man was accused of stabbing three people with a machete at a plasma center in Petersburg, Virginia, raising local safety concerns.
05 Jul Tunisia Bans Niqab in Public Institutions: Tunisian Prime Minister Youssef Chahed announced an immediate ban on niqab (full face covering) in all public institutions, citing security concerns following recent suicide bombings on June 27.
06 Jul Jeffrey Epstein arrested on new sex trafficking charges: On July 6, 2019, financier Jeffrey Epstein was arrested at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey on federal charges of sex trafficking minors. The indictment alleges that between 2002 and 2005, Epstein sexually exploited and abused dozens of underage girls in New York and Florida. He is accused of enticing victims with cash payments for 'massages' that led to sexual acts. Epstein was expected to appear in federal court in Manhattan. source: justice.gov
07 Jul Operation Car Wash Controversy: Leaked messages revealed Brazilian judge Sergio Moro suggested prosecutors leak sensitive information about Odebrecht's activities in Venezuela to the opposition, with some prosecutors speculating this could potentially trigger a civil war.
08 Jul New York Passes Trump Tax Returns Bill: New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill enabling congressional committees to access President Donald Trump's state tax returns, escalating the ongoing political and legal scrutiny.
10 Jul Court Dismisses Trump Property Lawsuit: The Fourth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals dismissed a lawsuit by Maryland and District of Columbia against President Donald Trump, citing lack of legal standing regarding payments made by foreign customers to Trump's private property.
11 Jul R. Kelly arrested on federal charges: On July 11, 2019, singer R. Kelly was arrested on federal charges, including child pornography and obstruction of justice, following a lengthy investigation into allegations of sexual abuse. source: cnn.com
12 Jul Child Sexual Exploitation Case Sentencing in Finland: The Oulu District Court concluded a significant legal proceeding involving eight foreign-born males convicted of child sexual exploitation, delivering final sentences in a case that drew national attention to issues of sexual crimes and social integration.
16 Jul Alejandro Toledo Extradition: Former Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo was arrested in the United States following an extradition request, marking a significant development in ongoing corruption investigations related to the Odebrecht scandal.
17 Jul Argentina Declares Hezbollah a Terrorist Organization: Argentina officially declared Hezbollah a terrorist organization at the request of Israel and the United States, freezing its assets and expelling its members. The country also reaffirmed Hezbollah's responsibility for the 1994 AMIA bombing.
18 Jul House Holds Barr and Ross in Contempt: The U.S. House of Representatives voted to hold Attorney General William Barr and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross in criminal contempt of Congress for defying congressional subpoenas, escalating political tensions between the legislative and executive branches.
24 Jul Facebook faces historic FTC penalty: On July 24, 2019, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) imposed a $5 billion fine on Facebook for privacy violations. This penalty was the largest ever imposed by the FTC and addressed concerns over Facebook's handling of user data and its failure to protect user privacy. source: ftc.gov
25 Jul U.S. federal death penalty resumption announced: On July 25, 2019, the U.S. Department of Justice announced the resumption of federal executions after a 17-year hiatus. The decision led to debates over the ethics and legality of capital punishment in the United States. source: npr.org
26 Jul U.S. Marines arrested for smuggling: On July 26, 2019, two U.S. Marines were arrested in California on charges of smuggling undocumented immigrants across the U.S.-Mexico border. The incident raised concerns about border security and the integrity of military personnel. source: cbsnews.com
27 Jul American Teens Arrested in Rome for Murder: Two American teenagers were taken into custody in Rome, Italy, facing serious charges of murder and extortion involving a military officer, creating an international legal incident.
29 Jul Tragic Train Station Attack in Frankfurt: A horrific incident occurred at Frankfurt's main station in Hesse, Germany, where a 40-year-old Eritrean immigrant pushed an eight-year-old boy into the path of a train, killing the child and injuring his mother. The attacker also attempted to push another person onto the tracks.
06 Aug Boy Scouts of America confronted with massive sexual abuse scandal: On August 6, 2019, the Boy Scouts of America faced renewed scrutiny over allegations of widespread sexual abuse within the organization. The revelations prompted discussions about accountability and the future of the organization amid ongoing bankruptcy proceedings. source: nytimes.com
07 Aug Trump Sues California Over Tax Return Law: President Trump filed a lawsuit against California challenging a state law requiring presidential primary candidates to disclose their tax returns. California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill, which prompted legal challenges from Trump, the Republican National Committee, and state Republican Party, who argued the law unconstitutionally targets the sitting president.
08 Aug Large-scale immigration raids in Mississippi: On August 7, 2019, federal authorities conducted large-scale immigration raids at seven food processing plants in Mississippi, arresting nearly 700 workers, marking one of the largest single-state immigration enforcement actions in U.S. history. source: cbsnews.com
09 Aug McConnell considers expanded gun background checks: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced on August 8, 2019, that he would consider legislation to expand background checks for gun purchases, following recent mass shootings in the U.S. source: cbsnews.com
10 Aug Death of Jeffrey Epstein: Jeffrey Epstein, a financier and convicted sex offender, was found unresponsive in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City on August 10, 2019. He was pronounced dead at a hospital shortly thereafter. The New York City Medical Examiner ruled his death a suicide by hanging. source: en.wikipedia.org
13 Aug Barr promises investigation into Epstein's death: On August 13, 2019, U.S. Attorney General William Barr announced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Jeffrey Epstein's death, following widespread speculation and conspiracy theories. source: justice.gov
14 Aug Jeffrey Epstein's death leads to administrative changes: The death of financier Jeffrey Epstein in prison prompted administrative changes within the Bureau of Prisons, including the reassignment of warden and increased scrutiny of facility operations. source: nytimes.com
16 Aug Court maintains sanitary standards for migrant children: A U.S. federal judge ruled that the government must maintain sanitary conditions for migrant children in detention facilities, including access to soap, toothbrushes, and adequate food. source: npr.org
19 Aug National Gun Control Advocacy Rally: Gun control advocates organized nationwide rallies, demanding comprehensive background checks for all gun sales, 'red flag' legislation, and an automatic weapons ban. The demonstrations reflected ongoing public discourse about gun violence and legislative reform.
22 Aug Trump administration proposes indefinite detention of migrant children: On August 22, 2019, the Trump administration proposed new regulations allowing for the indefinite detention of migrant children and families. The proposal aimed to replace the previous Flores Settlement Agreement, which limited the duration of detention for minors. The move sparked criticism from human rights organizations and legal challenges, with concerns about the welfare of children and the potential for prolonged family separations. source: aljazeera.com
26 Aug 19 states sue to protect migrant children's detention conditions: On August 26, 2019, 19 states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over a new rule allowing the indefinite detention of migrant families. The lawsuit aimed to uphold the 1997 Flores settlement, which limits the detention of migrant children to 20 days. source: pbs.org
28 Aug Landmark Acquittal in El Salvador Reproductive Rights Case: Evelyn Hernández was cleared of killing her newborn baby in a retrial, representing a significant moment in El Salvador's strict anti-abortion legal landscape and women's reproductive rights.
05 Sep French Court Drops Manslaughter Charges Against Airbus and Air France: A French magistrates' court dismissed 228 manslaughter charges brought by victims' relatives against Airbus and Air France, concluding a complex legal proceeding related to a previous aviation incident.
06 Sep Building collapse in Bamako kills fifteen: On September 6, 2019, a five-story building under construction in Bamako, Mali, collapsed, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 people. The incident occurred in the city's Badalabougou district and was attributed to poor construction practices and inadequate safety measures. Rescue operations were launched to search for survivors, and the government initiated an investigation into the cause of the collapse. source: reuters.com
08 Sep Deadly Bus Accident in Morocco: A tragic bus accident occurred in Morocco when a vehicle connecting Casablanca and Rissani plunged off the Oued Damchan bridge in the Draa Tafilalet region, resulting in 24 fatalities. The incident highlighted ongoing road safety challenges in the region.
12 Sep Iran Issues Arrest Warrant for Actress Saba Kamali: Iranian judiciary issued an arrest warrant for actress Saba Kamali after she posted an Instagram text sympathizing with Sahar Khodayari, which was deemed 'insulting' to Hussain ibn Ali, the third Shiite Imam. The incident reflects ongoing tensions surrounding freedom of expression in Iran.
13 Sep Felicity Huffman sentenced in college admissions scandal: Actress Felicity Huffman was sentenced to 14 days in prison, 250 hours of community service, and a $30,000 fine for her role in a nationwide college admissions bribery scheme. source: cnbc.com
18 Sep US White House Restricts State Emission Standards: The White House implemented a policy blocking California and other states from establishing independent vehicle emission standards, creating a significant environmental and regulatory controversy.
20 Sep Prince Andrew Sexual Abuse Allegations: A woman who previously accused late financier Jeffrey Epstein of sexual abuse claimed she was 'trafficked' to Prince Andrew and sexually abused in a London house. Prince Andrew strongly denied these allegations.
21 Sep Walmart Changes Firearm Sales Policy: Walmart announced it would stop selling handguns and certain ammunition, and request customers not to openly carry firearms in response to recent mass shootings.
24 Sep UK Supreme Court Declares Boris Johnson's Parliament Suspension Unlawful: On September 24, 2019, the UK Supreme Court ruled that Prime Minister Boris Johnson's suspension of Parliament was unlawful, stating it had an extreme effect upon the fundamentals of democracy. This landmark decision had significant implications for the UK's political landscape. source: en.wikipedia.org
26 Sep New South Wales decriminalizes abortion: On September 26, 2019, the New South Wales Parliament in Australia passed legislation decriminalizing abortion, making it legal up to 22 weeks of pregnancy. source: theguardian.com
01 Oct Landmark police shooting trial: On October 1, 2019, the trial of Amber Guyger, a former Dallas police officer charged with the murder of Botham Jean, began. The case drew national attention and sparked discussions about police conduct, racial justice, and the use of force in the United States. source: cnn.com
07 Oct Trump Administration Implements Restrictive Immigration Health Insurance Policy: President Trump signed a controversial proclamation restricting visa issuance to immigrants who cannot demonstrate the ability to obtain health insurance within 30 days of arriving in the United States, significantly tightening immigration requirements.
15 Oct Fort Worth Officer Charged with Murder: Aaron Dean, a Fort Worth police officer, was arrested and charged with murder for fatally shooting Atatiana Jefferson inside her own home, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding police use of force and racial justice in the United States.
22 Oct Northern Ireland Social Reform: Same-sex marriage is legalized, and abortion is decriminalized in Northern Ireland due to the prolonged suspension of the Northern Ireland Assembly, marking a significant legislative change through parliamentary mechanism. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
27 Oct Katie Hill Resigns from Congress: U.S. Democratic Congresswoman Katie Hill from California announced her resignation following revelations of a pre-office relationship with a campaign staffer.
03 Nov Trump administration's immigrant health care rule temporarily blocked: On November 3, 2019, a federal judge in Oregon issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration's rule requiring immigrants to prove they have health insurance or can pay for medical care before obtaining visas. The rule was set to take effect on November 3 but was halted pending further legal proceedings. source: pbs.org
06 Nov Arrest in Sonora Mass Shooting Case: Law enforcement authorities in Sonora, Mexico, have apprehended a suspect in connection with a recent mass shooting. While details remain limited, the arrest suggests progress in investigating a significant violent crime.
07 Nov Bosco Ntaganda Sentenced for War Crimes: On November 7, 2019, former Congolese warlord Bosco Ntaganda was sentenced to 30 years in prison by the International Criminal Court for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the Democratic Republic of Congo between 2002 and 2003. source: bbc.com
12 Nov Mondobhag Train Collision Tragedy: A devastating head-on collision between two passenger trains in Kasba, Bangladesh, results in at least 16 fatalities and over 100 injuries, highlighting critical transportation safety concerns.
13 Nov Supreme Court considers DACA program's future: On November 13, 2019, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments regarding the future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The program, established in 2012, provides temporary protection from deportation to certain undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children. The Court's decision was anticipated to have significant implications for the approximately 700,000 individuals enrolled in the program. source: cnbc.com
14 Nov Saugus High School mass shooting: On November 14, 2019, a mass shooting occurred at Saugus High School in Santa Clarita, California. The shooter, a 16-year-old student, opened fire on campus, killing two students and injuring three others before taking his own life. The incident prompted discussions on school safety and gun control measures in the United States. source: aljazeera.com
20 Nov Jail guards charged in Epstein negligence case: Two jail guards were charged with falsifying records and neglecting their duties in connection with Jeffrey Epstein's death. The guards allegedly fell asleep and failed to perform required checks on Epstein, who died in his jail cell. source: bbc.com
21 Nov Senate Confirms Conservative Judge: The U.S. Senate confirmed Judge Barbara Lagoa to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, strategically shifting the court's ideological balance towards a conservative majority.
25 Nov Catholic priests sentenced for sexual assault of deaf children: On November 25, 2019, two Catholic priests were sentenced in the UK for sexually abusing deaf children over several decades. The case drew attention to systemic abuse within religious institutions. source: bbc.com
30 Nov Black Friday Stabbing Incident in the Netherlands: Three teenagers were injured during a stabbing on Black Friday, raising concerns about youth violence and public safety during holiday shopping periods.
01 Dec Fatal Bus Accident in Russian Far East: A tragic bus accident in Zabaykalsky Krai resulted in nineteen fatalities when the vehicle skidded off a bridge and fell onto a frozen river.
03 Dec Malik Riaz Surrenders Assets to UK Authorities: Pakistani business tycoon Malik Riaz agreed to surrender £190 million in cash and assets to the United Kingdom's National Crime Agency, including his prestigious Grade II listed London home in One Hyde Park, signaling a major legal settlement.
17 Dec Pervez Musharraf Sentenced to Death for High Treason: On December 17, 2019, Pakistan's former military ruler Pervez Musharraf was sentenced to death in absentia for high treason by a special court. source: bbc.com
19 Dec Venezuelan Supreme Court Limits National Assembly Voting Procedures: The Venezuelan Supreme Court issued a ruling that effectively overturned a procedural rule of the opposition-led National Assembly, which had previously allowed members to vote remotely due to the large number of exiled politicians.
20 Dec ICC launches investigation into Palestinian territories: On December 20, 2019, the International Criminal Court announced the opening of an investigation into alleged war crimes in the Palestinian territories. This decision was met with mixed reactions from various international stakeholders. source: bbc.com
23 Dec Saudi Court Sentences Individuals for Khashoggi Murder: A Saudi Arabian court delivered a significant legal verdict, sentencing five individuals to death for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The killing, which occurred in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018, sparked international outrage and raised serious questions about press freedom and diplomatic accountability.

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