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ON THIS DAY 23 August Graphics version >> BBC News >>

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1990: Outrage at Iraqi TV hostage show
Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein appears on state television with western hostages, provoking a storm of outrage.

1991: Gorbachev punishes coup plotters
Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev begins his purge of cabinet members and officials involved in the failed coup four days ago.

1961: Couple found shot in A6 lay-by
Police launch a murder hunt after a man is found shot dead and his companion seriously wounded in a lay-by in Bedfordshire.

1985: West German spy chief defects to East
The head of West German counter-intelligence is unmasked as an East German spy.

1979: Kurdish revolt grows in Iran
Kurds in Iran oust government troops from a large area near the Iraqi border.

Around this Day

20 August
Top Story: 1989: Marchioness river crash 'kills 30'

21 August
Top Story: 1968: Russia brings winter to 'Prague Spring'

22 August
Top Story: 1978: Kenya's founding father dies

24 August
Top Story: 1993: Michael Jackson accused of child abuse

25 August
Top Story: 1944: Paris is liberated as Germans surrender

26 August
Top Story: 1959: US to 'stand by' West Germans

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Front Page | Years | Themes | Witness