Nicosia, Cyprus. June 10 has been marked by a series of major events spanning politics, war, international conflict and the deaths of prominent public figures. The date includes assassinations, military actions and the passing of leaders and entertainers.
Political violence and conflict
In 1924, Italian Socialist leader Giacomo Matteotti was kidnapped and murdered by Fascists.
In 1944, Nazi troops massacred nearly all the residents of Oradour-sur-Glane in France in a reprisal against the French resistance movement.
In 1997, Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot killed his defence chief Son Sen and 11 members of his family and fled his stronghold in northern Cambodia.
In 1999, NATO suspended its air campaign against Yugoslavia as the first Yugoslav troops left Kosovo.
Public events and leadership
In 1925, the Duke of York opened the second Richmond golf course.
In 2000, Syrian President Hafez al-Assad died at the age of 69.
Deaths in entertainment and crime
In 1967, American actor Spencer Tracy died. He was best known for his appearances in the films “Bad Day at Black Rock”, “Father of the Bride” and “Captains Courageous”, for which he won an Oscar.
In 2002, U.S. gangster boss John Gotti died. Gotti’s life of luxury and brutality ended in 1990 after he was caught on tape discussing crimes.
In 2004, Ray Charles, known as the “Father of Soul”, died at the age of 73 after overcoming poverty, blindness and heroin addiction to become one of the United States’ best loved entertainers.