A closer look at key historic events that took place on June 17:
In 1994, O.J. Simpson is arrested
The former football star and actor was arrested for the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman. The case gained widespread media attention and the subsequent trial in 1995 is referred to as the “Trial of the Century.” He was subsequently acquitted.

O.J. Simpson stands during sentencing at the Clark County Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, 05 December 2008. Former American football star O.J. Simpson and co-defendant Clarence “C.J.” Stewart were sentenced on 12 charges, including felony kidnapping, armed robbery and conspiracy related to a 2007 confrontation with sports memorabilia dealers in a Las Vegas hotel. OJ Simpson was sentenced to 15 years in jail. EPA/ISAAC BREKKEN/POOL

In 1972 the Watergate is broken into

Five men were arrested for breaking into the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C. This event ultimately led to the Watergate scandal that implicated President Richard Nixon and his administration in illegal activities, including obstruction of justice and abuse of power. The scandal eventually led to Nixon’s resignation in 1974.

COLLEGE PARK, MD, UNITED STATES : Marking the 30th anniversary of the break-in at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters at the Watergate Office Building in Washington, 17 June 1972, the US National Archives opened up and displayed some of the police evidence, Thursday 13 June 2002, that has been sealed in archival warehouses for almost 30 years. To the rear are arrest photo enlargements of the 4 Cubans from Miami, Valdez Martinez (L),Virgilio Gonzalez (2nd L), Bernard Barker, and Frank Sturgis (R) who committed the crime and in the foreground are lights, film, a toolbag, a trenchcoat, and bugging equipment used in one of the most famous burglaries in political history. EPA PHOTO AFPI / PAUL J. RICHARDS /pjr/jc

In 1944, Iceland declares itself a republic

Iceland formally severed its ties with Denmark and stablished its own independent government. This decision was cemented through a national referendum, where an overwhelming majority of Icelanders voted in favor of abolishing the monarchy and establishing a republic.

In 1940, the Soviets invade Latvia

The Soviet Red Army invaded Latvia as part of the Molotov-Pact’s secret protocols, which divided Eastern Europe into spheres of influence between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. This invasion led to Latvia being occupied by Soviet forces and eventually incorporated into the USSR.

A Soviet BT Tank with a truck and troops in the center of Riga, 1940. Picryl

In 1885, the Statue of Liberty arrives in New York

The Statue of Liberty arrived in New York Harbor in 350 pieces as hundreds of thousands of spectators gathered on June 17. This iconic gift from France was intended to celebrate the centennial of American independence and has since become a symbol of freedom and democracy in the US.

The Statue of Liberty arrives in New York Harbor June 17, 1885, onboard the French frigate Isère. Photograph take from on top of the awaiting unfinished pedestal of the statue. The Isère recognisable from its white hull. Picryl

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