December 22nd, 2009

Today in History

1997:
Acteal massacre: Attendees at a prayer meeting of Roman Catholic activists for indigenous causes in the small village of Acteal in the Mexican state of Chiapas were massacred by paramilitary forces.

1988:
Chico Mendes, a Brazilian rubber tapper, unionist and environmental activist, was assassinated.

1974:
Grande Comore, Anjouan and Mohéli vote to become the independent nation of Comoros. Mayotte remains under French administration.

1964:
Comedian Lenny Bruce is convicted of obscenity

1885:
Ito Hirobumi, a samurai, became the first Prime Minister of Japan.