What Happened This Year 1985
Historical Events from This Year 1985
Murder of Police Constable Keith Blakelock
Police Constable Keith Blakelock was murdered during the Broadwater Farm riots in London. As racial tensions escalated amid ongoing community grievances, Blakelock and his colleagues responded to the unrest triggered by the police's treatment of a local resident. The violence in the area intensified, leading to a confrontation that resulted in Blakelock's tragic death, making him the first police officer to be killed during riots in London since the 1980s.
Continue ReadingMameyes Landslide Claims Nearly 200 Lives
In a devastating landslide in the Mameyes neighborhood of Ponce, Puerto Rico, almost 200 people lost their lives. Heavy rains triggered the landslide, causing a hillside to collapse onto homes, crushing them under tons of mud and debris. Rescue operations were launched immediately, yet the scale of the disaster hindered efforts. The event brought significant attention to the geophysical risks faced by communities in this region.
Continue ReadingPalestine Liberation Front Hijacks MS Achille Lauro
Four armed men from the Palestine Liberation Front hijacked the MS Achille Lauro, a cruise ship, while sailing off the coast of Egypt. The hijackers took control of the ship, which was carrying over 400 passengers and crew members. They demanded the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel, leading to a standoff that lasted several days, culminating in the murder of a disabled American passenger, Leon Klinghoffer. The event drew international attention and raised concerns about maritime security and terrorism.
Continue ReadingUS Navy Intercepts Egyptian Airliner in 1985
On October 10, 1985, US Navy fighter jets intercepted an Egyptian airliner that was transporting members of the Palestinian Liberation Front, involved in the Achille Lauro hijacking. The aircraft, EgyptAir Flight 648, was forced to land in Sicily, Italy. This operation was prompted by the aftermath of the hijacking, in which an American passenger was murdered. The swift action taken by the US military aimed to prevent further escalation and secure justice for the victims of the hijacking.
Continue ReadingUluru Returned to Pitjantjatjara People
The Australian government officially returned ownership of Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, to the local Pitjantjatjara Aboriginal people. This significant event marked the culmination of efforts that began in the 1970s, focusing on Aboriginal land rights and recognition of traditional ownership. The ceremony was attended by numerous dignitaries, including Aboriginal leaders and government officials, symbolizing a new era of reconciliation and respect for Indigenous culture and heritage.
Continue ReadingSamuel K. Doe Wins Liberia's First Multi-Party Election
Major General Samuel K. Doe was proclaimed the winner of Liberia's first multi-party elections after years of authoritarian rule. The elections marked a significant political shift towards democracy as multiple parties contested for leadership. The process was overseen by both the Liberian government and international observers. Despite considerable tension and allegations of electoral malpractice, Doe's victory represented a pivotal moment for democratic governance in Liberia.
Continue ReadingChallenger's Final Successful Mission Launch
The Space Shuttle Challenger lifted off for mission STS-61-A, marking its final successful mission. Launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, it carried a diverse crew including astronauts and a group of payload specialists. The mission's primary objective was to deploy several scientific experiments and conduct a variety of research tasks in low Earth orbit. This highly notable mission lasted for nearly eight days, effectively showcasing the capabilities of the shuttle program and the importance of international collaboration in space research.
Continue ReadingGuerrillas Capture Bogotá's Palace of Justice
Leftist guerrillas from the 19th of April Movement, known as M-19, launched an assault on the Palace of Justice in Bogotá, Colombia. The attack led to a violent takeover of the building, where key government officials were present. M-19 demanded a trial for President Belisario Betancur and sought to bring attention to their political goals. The siege lasted until military forces responded, resulting in a deadly confrontation.
Continue ReadingGarry Kasparov Becomes Youngest Chess Champion
Garry Kasparov defeated Anatoly Karpov to become the youngest World Chess Champion at the age of 22. The championship match took place in Moscow, where Kasparov emerged victorious after a grueling series of games that showcased his strategic brilliance and resilience. Known for his aggressive style, Kasparov's win not only marked a personal triumph but also shifted the landscape of competitive chess, challenging the dominance of Karpov and the Soviet chess establishment. His victory was celebrated by fans and marked the beginning of a new era in the chess world.
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