Major events on March 27: From Yugoslavia coup to Hong Kong virus discovery

Nicosia, Cyprus. A series of political, scientific and cultural events have taken place on March 27 across several decades. These include a coup in Yugoslavia, major deaths, a military aviation milestone and scientific research developments.

1941: Coup in Yugoslavia

Prince Paul, regent of Yugoslavia, was deposed in a coup after reaching a pact with Adolf Hitler. His nephew, Peter II, ruled for a few weeks until Axis troops invaded.

1968: Death of Yuri Gagarin

Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet hero after he became the first man in space in 1961, was killed in a plane crash near Moscow.

1994: Eurofighter maiden flight

The Eurofighter, a four-nation project to develop a high-tech fighter jet for Europe’s defence, made a successful maiden flight.

1995: Mandela dismisses Winnie Mandela

South African President Nelson Mandela personally fired his estranged wife Winnie, an outspoken critic of his national unity government, from her position as deputy minister.

1995: Maurizio Gucci killed in Milan

Maurizio Gucci, former chairman of the Gucci luxury leather goods and fashion dynasty, was shot dead outside his office in Milan.

1996: Rabin assassin sentenced

An Israeli court jailed Yigal Amir for life for assassinating Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in November 1995.

2002: Death of Dudley Moore

Dudley Moore, British-born comedian who became one of Hollywood’s most unlikely sex symbols thanks to his starring role in the film “10,” died at 66.

2003: Hong Kong scientists identify virus strain

Scientists in Hong Kong said they had identified the virus behind a mystery pneumonia as a new strain from the family of coronaviruses, which are the second leading cause of colds in humans.

2003: NTT Docomo wristwatch-style phone shown in Tokyo

NTT Docomo’s wristwatch-style cell phone is displayed in Tokyo.

Which of these March 27 events do you find most significant?