2020 Law & Justice Events — Verified Historical Highlights
2020 Law & Justice Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 02 Jan Carlos Ghosn Arrest Warrant Issued by Lebanon: The Lebanese justice minister announced the receipt of an Interpol arrest warrant for Carlos Ghosn, the former Chairman of Nissan who dramatically escaped house arrest in Japan and fled to Lebanon. This development highlighted the complex international legal challenges surrounding Ghosn's high-profile financial misconduct case and his subsequent dramatic escape from judicial proceedings in Japan.
- 09 Jan Federal Court Approves Border Wall Funding: A federal appeals court granted the Trump administration permission to reallocate $3.6 billion from military construction funds to advance border wall construction along the U.S.-Mexico border, a controversial project that had faced significant legal challenges.
- 17 Jan Lesotho PM Announces Resignation Amid Murder Investigation: Prime Minister Tom Thabane of Lesotho announced his impending resignation after an arrest warrant was issued for his current wife, Maesiah Thabane, in connection with the 2017 murder of his previous wife, Lipolelo Thabane. The scandal reveals complex personal and political tensions.
- 24 Jan Mass Shooting in Germany: A tragic familial mass shooting in Rot am See, Baden-Württemberg, resulting in six fatalities and two injuries, highlighting domestic violence and gun-related issues.
- 30 Jan Equal Rights Amendment Lawsuit: Attorneys general from Virginia, Nevada, and Illinois file a lawsuit to add the Equal Rights Amendment to the United States Constitution, advancing gender equality efforts.
- 17 Feb 1,100 Former Justice Department Officials Call for Barr's Resignation: A significant group of 1,100 former Justice Department officials publicly demanded the resignation of Attorney General William Barr, citing concerns about his handling of sensitive legal cases, particularly the Michael Flynn case. This unprecedented collective action highlighted growing professional dissent within legal circles about Barr's leadership and perceived political interference.
- 18 Feb Boy Scouts of America File Bankruptcy Amid Sexual Abuse Lawsuits: The Boy Scouts of America filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, a significant legal move resulting from numerous sexual abuse lawsuits that have challenged the organization's historical practices and reputation.
- 20 Feb Roger Stone Sentenced in Congressional Investigation Obstruction Case: Roger Stone, a long-time associate of former U.S. President Donald Trump, was sentenced to 40 months in prison for obstructing a congressional investigation related to the 2016 presidential election interference. The sentencing was a significant moment in the broader investigation into Russian involvement in the U.S. electoral process.
- 21 Feb Roger Stone Sentencing: In a significant legal development related to the Russian election interference investigation, longtime Trump adviser Roger Stone was sentenced to 40 months in prison. The federal judge found him guilty of lying to Congress and witness tampering, with actions deemed to be an attempt to obstruct the investigation and potentially protect President Trump.
- 26 Feb U.S. Congress Passes Emmett Till Antilynching Act: In a historic moment for civil rights, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the Emmett Till Antilynching Act with a vote of 410-4. This landmark legislation finally designates lynching as a federal crime, marking the first successful anti-lynching bill in Congressional history and representing a significant step towards addressing racial violence.
- 27 Feb Social Media Platforms Blocked in Turkey: Turkish authorities implemented a comprehensive block on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to prevent the disclosure of sensitive information regarding military troop and equipment deployments.
- 02 Mar Greek Border Incident with Migrants: Hellenic Police border guards engaged in a confrontation with migrants attempting to illegally cross the Greek border, resulting in the fatal shooting of a Syrian man, highlighting tensions in the European migrant crisis.
- 04 Mar Trump Campaign Files Libel Lawsuit Against Washington Post: The Trump presidential campaign initiated a libel lawsuit against The Washington Post on March 4, 2020, escalating tensions between the campaign and mainstream media during the election season.
- 13 Mar Breonna Taylor Killed in Police Raid: Breonna Taylor was fatally shot by police officers who forcibly entered her home in Louisville, Kentucky. Her death became a pivotal moment in the national conversation about racism and police brutality, subsequently sparking widespread protests across the United States demanding justice and systemic police reform. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
- 24 Mar PG&E Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter Charges: Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) formally pleaded guilty to criminal manslaughter charges related to the devastating 2018 California wildfire, marking a significant legal accountability moment for corporate negligence.
- 31 Mar Judicial Intervention in Abortion Access During Pandemic: Judges intervened to block state-imposed abortion restrictions that were implemented under coronavirus emergency measures, preserving reproductive healthcare access during the pandemic's early months.
- 01 Apr Appeals Court Blocks Florida Felon Voting Restrictions: An appeals court prevented Florida's governor from implementing limitations on voting rights for former felons, preserving expanded electoral participation.
- 04 Apr Mass Stabbing in Romans-sur-Isère, France: A violent mass stabbing incident in Romans-sur-Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, resulted in two fatalities and five injuries. A Sudanese man was immediately arrested at the crime scene, prompting local law enforcement investigations.
- 07 Apr Rafael Correa Convicted of Corruption: Former Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa was found guilty on corruption charges and sentenced to eight years in prison. Additionally, he was banned from participating in politics until 2045, marking a significant fall from grace for the once-prominent political leader.
- 13 Apr Alabama Abortion Restrictions Blocked: A judicial ruling blocked Alabama's attempt to ban abortions under coronavirus restrictions, preserving reproductive rights during the pandemic and highlighting ongoing legal battles over women's healthcare access.
- 21 Apr Louisiana Pastor Arrested for Violating Lockdown: Pastor Tony Spell was arrested in Louisiana for violating COVID-19 lockdown orders. He was charged with driving a church bus in reverse towards a protester, compounding previous violations of gathering restrictions. Despite the arrest, approximately 70 church members demonstrated support by gathering at the jail.
- 24 Apr Saudi Arabia Abolishes Flogging as Punishment: In a significant legal reform, Saudi Arabia announced the end of flogging as a form of punishment, signaling a potential shift in the country's judicial practices.
- 27 Apr Louisiana Pastor Defies Coronavirus Gathering Restrictions: The Rev. Tony Spell conducted church services in direct violation of state-mandated crowd restrictions, challenging pandemic prevention protocols.
- 01 May Canada Bans Assault-Style Weapons After Nova Scotia Shooting: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a comprehensive ban on 1,500 types of assault-style weapons in direct response to the tragic mass shooting in Nova Scotia. This significant policy change aimed to enhance public safety and reduce gun violence in Canada.
- 07 May Ahmaud Arbery Murder Arrests: A father and son were arrested in Brunswick, Georgia, for the racially motivated murder of Ahmaud Arbery, an African American jogger. The arrests came after a video of the killing surfaced, sparking national outrage and reigniting discussions about racial injustice and systemic racism in the United States.
- 20 May New York Democratic Primary Reinstated by Appeals Court: The U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that New York cannot cancel its presidential primary scheduled for June 23. The decision mandates that former Vice President Joe Biden, Senator Bernie Sanders, and other Democratic candidates be reinstated on the ballot, despite most candidates having suspended their campaigns.
- 22 May Mass Shooting in Zhytomyr Oblast: In a shocking incident in Ukraine's Zhytomyr Oblast, a gunman killed seven people during a fishing trip following a drunken altercation. The perpetrator was subsequently arrested by local law enforcement, bringing an end to the violent episode.
- 24 May Egyptian Presidential Eid Pardon: President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi granted clemency to 3,157 prisoners as part of the Eid al-Fitr celebrations, a traditional gesture of goodwill and mercy in many Muslim-majority countries.
- 30 May Seattle Protest Escalation: The Seattle Police Department managed a series of demonstrations that devolved into violent confrontations. By mid-afternoon, protesters began throwing projectiles and vandalizing property, resulting in injuries to both officers and community members. Law enforcement responded by making 57 arrests, primarily for burglary and assault.
- 31 May Protester Shooting in Omaha During Civil Unrest: Police investigated the shooting death of protester James Scurlock by a bar owner in Omaha, Nebraska. Eyewitness video suggested the shooter was attacked by a group before firing fatal shots, highlighting the tensions and potential violence during widespread protests.
- 03 Jun Derek Chauvin Murder Charge Upgraded: In a significant legal development, the criminal charge against former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin was upgraded to second-degree murder in connection with the death of George Floyd. Additionally, the three officers who assisted in restraining Floyd were charged with aiding and abetting murder, reflecting the serious nature of the incident.
- 04 Jun UN Report Condemns Philippines Human Rights Violations: The United Nations released a critical report documenting severe human rights violations in the Philippines, including approximately 8,000 deaths during the country's controversial war on drugs. The report was issued one day after the Philippine House of Representatives passed a new anti-terrorism law, further escalating international concerns about civil liberties in the country.
- 05 Jun Mass Shooting and Arson in Alabama: A tragic incident occurred in Valhermoso Springs, Alabama, where seven individuals were killed during an overnight shooting and arson at a residential property. Local law enforcement suspected the event was a targeted attack, though no suspects were immediately apprehended, leaving the community in shock and seeking answers.
- 08 Jun Minneapolis City Council Pledges Police Department Transformation: In response to the killing of George Floyd, Minneapolis City Council members committed to fundamentally restructuring the city's police department, signaling a landmark moment in police reform efforts.
- 09 Jun Darfur Militia Leader Handed Over to ICC: Ali Kushayb, a Darfur militia leader accused of serious war crimes including murder and rape, was transferred to the International Criminal Court in The Hague. This represents a significant step towards international justice for atrocities committed in the Darfur conflict.
- 13 Jun Rayshard Brooks Protests in Atlanta: Protesters set fire to a Wendy's restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia, following the fatal shooting of Rayshard Brooks by police during a DUI investigation, which became a significant moment in the ongoing racial justice movement.
- 14 Jun Ukraine Alleges Burisma Probe Bribery Attempt: Ukrainian authorities claimed a bribe attempt was made to influence the Burisma investigation, explicitly stating that the Biden family was not involved in the alleged incident.
- 15 Jun Nepal Deports Foreign Tourists for Protest Participation: The Nepali Department of Immigration announced the deportation of five foreign tourists (three Chinese, one American, and one Australian) for participating in protests against the government's coronavirus response. They were banned from re-entering Nepal for two years.
- 18 Jun Minneapolis City Council Moves to Dismantle Police Department: In a landmark decision, the Minneapolis City Council voted to initiate the process of abolishing the Minneapolis Police Department, a move that sparked significant controversy, with Mayor Jacob Frey publicly opposing the measure.
- 25 Jun Grand Jury Indicts Suspects in Ahmaud Arbery Murder: A grand jury indicted Travis McMichael, Greg McMichael, and William 'Roddie' Bryan on nine counts, including malice murder, for the fatal shooting of Ahmaud Arbery, an unarmed Black man jogging in a Georgia neighborhood. This case highlighted ongoing racial tensions in the United States.
- 26 Jun House Passes George Floyd Justice in Policing Act: The U.S. House of Representatives approved a comprehensive police reform bill named after George Floyd, marking a significant legislative response to nationwide protests against police brutality. The bill, which passed 236-181 with bipartisan support, proposed banning chokeholds, restricting no-knock warrants, and establishing a national database to track police misconduct.
- 29 Jun Supreme Court Strikes Down Louisiana Abortion Restrictions: In a significant 5-4 decision, the US Supreme Court ruled that Louisiana's 2014 abortion restrictions were unconstitutional, preserving abortion access in the state. The ruling, which hinged on the precedent set by Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt, reaffirmed the Court's commitment to protecting reproductive rights and preventing undue burdens on women seeking medical procedures.
- 02 Jul Ghislaine Maxwell Arrested by Federal Authorities: Federal law enforcement officials arrested Ghislaine Maxwell in New Hampshire in connection with her alleged involvement in Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking network. Her arrest marked a significant development in the high-profile case involving Epstein's alleged sexual abuse of minors.
- 08 Jul Human Rights Violations in Myanmar: Amnesty International reported severe human rights abuses by Myanmar's armed forces, including indiscriminate air attacks killing civilians and children in Rakhine and Chin states, calling for a UN Security Council investigation into potential war crimes.
- 09 Jul Supreme Court Landmark Ruling on Native American Tribal Sovereignty: In a significant legal decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in McGirt v. Oklahoma that Congress had not disestablished Oklahoma Indian reserves, effectively affirming and reinforcing tribal sovereignty rights for Native American communities.
- 12 Jul Mueller Criticizes Trump's Commutation of Roger Stone's Sentence: Robert Mueller, the former special counsel who led the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, publicly criticized President Donald Trump's decision to commute Roger Stone's prison sentence. The move was widely perceived as a political intervention in the justice system, undermining the integrity of the legal process and raising concerns about presidential abuse of power.
- 15 Jul Justice Ginsburg Hospitalized: Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was hospitalized with a potential infection, raising widespread concerns about her health and the potential implications for the Supreme Court's composition. Her medical status was closely monitored given her critical role in the judicial system.
- 18 Jul Breonna Taylor Case: Police Accountability Questioned: A report revealed that police did not check on Breonna Taylor for 20 minutes after shooting her, further highlighting systemic concerns about police conduct, accountability, and racial injustice in law enforcement.
- 19 Jul Portland Mayor Condemns Federal Protest Policing: Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler strongly criticized federal law enforcement's handling of protests in his city, asserting that their policing methods were unconstitutional. This statement came amid heightened tensions surrounding protests and federal intervention in urban demonstrations.
- 26 Jul Legal Actions and Protests: The Supreme Court of New South Wales blocked a planned Black Lives Matter protest in Sydney. In a separate incident, French police arrested a 39-year-old Rwandan refugee for allegedly setting fires inside Nantes Cathedral on July 18.
- 28 Jul Najib Razak Convicted of Corruption: Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak was found guilty of corruption in a landmark legal case, resulting in a 12-year prison sentence and a substantial fine of nearly $50 million. This verdict marked a significant moment in Malaysia's fight against political corruption and abuse of power.
- 29 Jul Federal Agents to Withdraw from Portland: Amid ongoing George Floyd protests in Minneapolis–Saint Paul, Oregon Governor Kate Brown negotiated with Vice President Mike Pence for the withdrawal of federal agents from Portland, including Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.
- 30 Jul Federal Officers Withdraw from Portland: Federal law enforcement officers began a phased withdrawal from Portland amid growing criticism of their tactics during Black Lives Matter protests.
- 07 Aug Thailand Monarchy Reform Arrest: Prominent lawyer Anon Nampha was arrested for 'creating chaos' and 'spreading untrue matters' after delivering a speech advocating for monarchy reforms, highlighting tensions surrounding political discourse.
- 12 Aug California Judge Mandates Uber and Lyft Driver Reclassification: A landmark judicial ruling ordered Uber and Lyft to reclassify drivers as employees, granting them legal protections including health insurance and paid sick leave. This decision represents a significant shift in gig economy labor practices.
- 14 Aug FBI Attorney Misconduct Case: President Trump announced that Kevin Clinesmith, an FBI attorney accused of falsifying FISA warrants, was expected to plead guilty, highlighting ongoing concerns about potential misconduct within federal law enforcement.
- 17 Aug House Convenes Special Session to Protect USPS: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called an emergency session to address potential disruptions to postal services ahead of the November election. The initiative targeted Postmaster General Louis DeJoy's policy changes that could impact mail-in voting during the COVID-19 pandemic. The House planned to investigate DeJoy's operational modifications, which included limiting overtime and restricting additional delivery trips, amid concerns about potential voter suppression.
- 18 Aug Steve Bannon Arrested on Fraud Charges: Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon was arrested and charged with fraud related to a fundraising campaign for building a wall on the Mexican border, creating significant political controversy.
- 20 Aug Steve Bannon Arrested on Fraud Charges: Steve Bannon, former chief strategist for President Donald Trump, was arrested and charged with fraud related to a controversial fundraising campaign aimed at building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, causing significant political controversy.
- 21 Aug Court Rejects Trump's Attempt to Block Tax Return Release: A federal judge denied President Trump's legal effort to prevent New York prosecutors from accessing his tax returns, marking a significant legal setback for the president's attempts to shield his financial records.
- 22 Aug Fatal Stampede at Illegal Disco in Lima, Peru: During a police raid to shut down an illegal nightclub, a tragic stampede occurred in Lima, Peru, resulting in the deaths of 13 people. The incident highlights the risks associated with unauthorized gatherings and the potential for crowd-related disasters during law enforcement interventions.
- 26 Aug Alaska Attorney General Resigns: Kevin Clarkson, Alaska's Attorney General, resigned after admitting to sending inappropriate text messages to a junior state employee. The incident underscored issues of professional conduct and power dynamics in government positions.
- 27 Aug Christchurch Mosque Shooter Sentenced to Life Imprisonment: A New Zealand court sentenced Brenton Tarrant to life in prison without parole for the terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch that killed 51 people in 2019.
- 31 Aug Australian Journalist Detained in China: Australian foreign minister Marise Payne confirmed the detention of Chinese-born Australian journalist Cheng Lei, an anchor for China Global Television Network. Lei has been under 'residential surveillance' in Beijing since August 14, raising international concerns about press freedom and diplomatic tensions.
- 03 Sep Michael Reinoehl Killed During Police Arrest: Michael Reinoehl, who was accused of killing Patriot Prayer activist Aaron Danielson, was shot and killed by police during an arrest attempt, escalating tensions surrounding protests and political violence in the United States.
- 04 Sep Facebook Removes Patriot Prayer Pages: Facebook deleted pages associated with the far-right Patriot Prayer group and its founder Joey Gibson, citing efforts to remove 'violent social militias' from its platform, reflecting ongoing content moderation challenges.
- 07 Sep Saudi Arabia Issues Final Convictions for Khashoggi Murder: Saudi Arabia announced final legal convictions for eight individuals involved in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a case that drew international attention and scrutiny of the Saudi government.
- 08 Sep Mass Shooting in California: A fatal shooting occurred in Aguanga, California, where seven individuals were killed at a residence reportedly used for illegal marijuana cultivation. Law enforcement considered the incident isolated, but no suspects were immediately apprehended.
- 11 Sep Judges Block Trump's Census Immigrant Exclusion Order: Federal judges successfully blocked President Trump's executive order attempting to exclude undocumented immigrants from the census count, preserving their right to be included in population calculations.
- 15 Sep Pennsylvania Coronavirus Restrictions Struck Down: U.S. District Judge William Stickman IV ruled against Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf's COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, declaring them unconstitutional. The judicial decision challenged the state's emergency powers and pandemic response measures.
- 17 Sep Pelosi Demands Investigation into Immigrant Women's Medical Abuse: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called for a thorough investigation into alarming reports of unauthorized hysterectomies performed on immigrant women, raising serious human rights concerns.
- 18 Sep Death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a pioneering legal icon and champion of gender equality and women's rights, passed away at her home in Washington, D.C. at age 87 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Her death marked the end of an extraordinary judicial career that transformed American civil rights law and advanced gender equality through landmark Supreme Court decisions.
- 21 Sep Death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away at the age of 87 in her Washington, DC home, surrounded by her family. Her death marked a significant moment in American judicial history, as she was a pioneering advocate for gender equality and women's rights throughout her distinguished legal career.
- 22 Sep UK Parliament Investigates TikTok Data Privacy: UK members of Parliament prepared to question TikTok's Director of Public Policy for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Theo Bertram, as part of an investigation into data privacy practices of online content-sharing platforms. This hearing underscored growing global concerns about digital privacy and social media platforms.
- 23 Sep Louisville Declares Emergency Ahead of Breonna Taylor Decision: Louisville, Kentucky Mayor Greg Fischer declared a state of emergency and closed the city's central area to traffic in anticipation of the grand jury decision regarding the police officers involved in Breonna Taylor's fatal shooting. The move was intended to maintain public safety and manage potential protests.
- 24 Sep Claremont Serial Killings Verdict: In a landmark criminal case, Bradley Robert Edwards was found guilty of murdering two women, Jane Rimmer and Ciara Glennon, in Perth, Western Australia during 1996 and 1997. Despite the convictions, he was acquitted of murdering Sarah Spiers, whose body remains undiscovered, leaving a lingering mystery in this high-profile serial killing investigation.
- 30 Sep California Passes Historic Reparations Law: California became the first U.S. state to pass comprehensive legislation allowing reparations for Black residents and descendants of slaves, marking a significant milestone in addressing historical racial injustices and systemic discrimination.
- 01 Oct Lebanon Seeks Interpol Action for Beirut Explosion Ship: Lebanon's state prosecution requested Interpol to detain two Russian citizens—the captain and owner of the MV Rhosus—connected to the 2013 ammonium nitrate shipment that caused the devastating Beirut port explosion.
- 04 Oct Prisoner Release in Mali: The Malian interim government released 110 jihadists from a Bamako prison, following a previous release of 70 prisoners. This action was believed to be part of a strategic prisoner exchange aimed at securing the release of kidnapped opposition politician Soumaïla Cissé.
- 05 Oct Israel Bans Animal Fur Trade: Israel made a groundbreaking decision by becoming the first country to comprehensively ban the animal fur trade. The legislation imposes strict penalties, with potential fines up to €18,500 or imprisonment for up to one year for those selling or purchasing fur. An exemption was granted to ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities.
- 08 Oct FBI Foils Michigan Governor Kidnapping Plot: The FBI arrested 13 members of the Wolverine Watchmen militia group who were allegedly planning to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer from her vacation home, revealing domestic terrorism threats in the United States.
- 12 Oct Amy Coney Barrett Supreme Court Confirmation Hearings Begin: Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett began her confirmation hearings, which were marked by significant political tension, including 21 protesters being arrested in Washington, D.C. during the proceedings.
- 15 Oct Felony Convictions Disenfranchise Millions of Voters: A comprehensive report revealed that approximately 5.2 million Americans were disenfranchised from voting due to prior felony convictions, highlighting ongoing debates about voting rights and criminal justice reform.
- 19 Oct Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration's Food Stamp Restrictions: A federal judge blocked President Trump's effort to impose stricter work requirements that would have ended food stamp benefits for approximately 700,000 low-income Americans, preserving critical nutrition assistance for vulnerable populations.
- 20 Oct US Justice Department Sues Google: The United States Department of Justice filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google, alleging illegal monopolistic practices in search and search advertising markets, marking a significant legal challenge to one of the world's largest tech companies.
- 21 Oct Separated Migrant Children Crisis at US-Mexico Border: The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) reported that parents of 545 children separated during immigration enforcement at the US-Mexico border could not be located, highlighting a profound humanitarian crisis and raising serious questions about family separation policies.
- 22 Oct Purdue Pharma Agrees to $8.3 Billion Opioid Crisis Settlement: Purdue Pharma, the manufacturer of OxyContin, reached a landmark $8.3 billion settlement to address legal claims related to its role in the devastating opioid epidemic across the United States.
- 02 Nov Johnny Depp Loses High-Profile Libel Case: On November 2, 2020, actor Johnny Depp lost a significant libel case against the UK newspaper 'The Sun' over an article that labeled him a 'wife-beater'. The court's ruling supported the newspaper's claim that Depp had assaulted his ex-wife Amber Heard, marking a pivotal moment in their highly publicized legal and personal dispute.
- 10 Nov Barr Authorizes Vote Fraud Investigations: Attorney General William Barr instructed federal prosecutors to investigate allegations of voter fraud, adding legal complexity to the contested 2020 presidential election.
- 11 Nov Vatican Report Reveals Pope's Knowledge of Sexual Abuse: A comprehensive Vatican report disclosed that Pope John Paul II was aware of sexual abuse allegations against Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, raising significant questions about institutional accountability within the Catholic Church.
- 13 Nov German Prosecutors Charge Far-Right Terror Group: Federal prosecutors in Stuttgart charged 11 individuals with membership in the 'Group S.' far-right terror organization, alleging plans to incite civil war-like conditions through targeted attacks on Muslims and mosques.
- 18 Nov Indigenous Otomí Families Protest in Mexico City: A group of 120 Indigenous Otomí families occupied the National Institute of Indigenous Peoples' offices in Mexico City. Led by Otomí women, the protest demanded an end to government neglect and sought improvements in food security, healthcare, work, education, and housing.
- 19 Nov Court Blocks Trump's Migrant Child Policy During Pandemic: A federal judge ruled on November 19, 2020, that the Trump administration could not use the COVID-19 pandemic as a justification for turning away migrant children, challenging the administration's immigration policies.
- 24 Nov War Criminal Sentenced in Kivu Conflict: Ntabo Ntaberi Sheka, former leader of the Nduma Defense of Congo militia, was sentenced to life imprisonment following a two-year trial. He was convicted of severe war crimes including murder, rape, sexual slavery, and the illegal recruitment of children under 15 years old by a military court.
- 25 Nov Asylum Seeker Tragedy in Canary Islands: A maritime disaster occurred off the coast of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, where a boat carrying asylum seekers capsized, resulting in at least four deaths. Twenty-eight survivors were rescued, underscoring the perilous journeys undertaken by migrants seeking safety.
- 26 Nov Turkish Court Issues Life Sentences for 2016 Coup Attempt: A Turkish court handed down life sentences to individuals involved in the 2016 coup attempt, marking a significant moment in Turkey's post-coup judicial proceedings.
- 27 Nov US Department of Justice Gang Prosecution: The US Department of Justice announced criminal charges against 700 gang members in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras for human trafficking.
- 29 Nov Pennsylvania Supreme Court Dismisses GOP Election Lawsuit: The Pennsylvania Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Republican Party challenging the state's mail-in voting process, a significant legal development in the 2020 U.S. presidential election dispute.
- 02 Dec UN Commission Removes Cannabis from Most Dangerous Drugs List: In a significant policy shift, the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs voted to remove cannabis from Schedule IV of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, recognizing its potential medical and therapeutic uses. This decision marks a landmark moment in global drug policy reform. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
- 21 Dec Potential New Charges in Pan Am Flight 103 Bombing: Reports suggested the U.S. was preparing to announce new criminal charges related to the 1988 Pan Am Flight 103 bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland.
- 22 Dec Cayman Islands Reduces Teen's Quarantine Sentence: The Cayman Islands' appeals court reduced Georgia teenager Skylar Mack's prison sentence from 4 to 2 months after her arrest for breaching quarantine rules, reflecting judicial considerations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 28 Dec International Legal and Human Rights Developments: Multiple significant legal actions occurred: In the U.S., Officer Adam Coy was fired for fatally shooting Andre Hill and failing to follow police protocols. In China, a citizen journalist was sentenced to four years in prison for reporting on COVID-19. In Saudi Arabia, women's rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul received a five-year prison sentence under controversial anti-terrorism laws.
What happened in 2020?
Discover what the world looked like in 2020: