English woman convicted of poisoning her husband
English woman convicted of poisoning her husband
English woman executed in 1684 for poisoning her husband in one of the period's notorious criminal cases.
Little is known of Ridgeway's early life, but she married in Herefordshire.
In the early 1680s she secretly administered arsenic to her husband, disguising it as illness.
Following his death, rumors of foul play led to her arrest and trial in 1684.
Found guilty of poisoning, she was sentenced to burn at the stake, a punishment that shocked contemporaries.
Her case fueled public anxieties about domestic treachery and influenced attitudes toward capital punishment.
Elizabeth Ridgeway's story remains a stark example of 17th-century crime and justice.
Elizabeth Ridgeway
Australian public servant
Australian public servant
Arthur Metcalfe
Sri Lankan police officer and diplomat
Sri Lankan police officer and diplomat
Sri Lankan police officer and diplomat who modernized law enforcement and served abroad.
Rudra Rajasingham rose through the ranks of the Sri Lankan Police to become Inspector General in the early 1980s. He introduced reforms aimed at professionalizing the force and improving community relations during a challenging period. After his policing career, Rajasingham served as Sri Lanka’s ambassador to Indonesia and Japan, strengthening diplomatic ties. He was respected for his leadership, integrity, and commitment to human rights within law enforcement. His dual careers in security and diplomacy left a lasting impact on national policing standards and international relations. Rajasingham is remembered as a model public servant in Sri Lankan history.
2006
Rudra Rajasingham
Egyptian dentist and politician
Egyptian dentist and politician
Egyptian dentist and reformist politician who served as a founding member of the Constitution Party and advocated for social justice.
Born in 1974, Mohamed Yousri Salama trained as a dentist before entering politics in post-revolution Egypt. He became a founding member of the liberal Constitution Party, championing human rights and democratic reforms. Salama was elected to the Egyptian House of Representatives, where he focused on healthcare policy and social welfare initiatives. Known for his moderate and principled stance, he worked to bridge divides between secular and religious groups in Egypt. His dual expertise in medicine and politics gave him a unique perspective on public health and governance. Salama’s sudden death in 2013 cut short a promising career in Egypt’s evolving political landscape.
Mohamed Yousri Salama
Ukrainian activist
Ukrainian activist
Ukrainian nationalist activist and veteran of the Soviet–Afghan War who played a prominent role in the Euromaidan protests.
Born in 1962, Oleksandr Muzychko, also known by his nom de guerre Sashko Bilyi, was a Ukrainian nationalist activist and former Soviet–Afghan War veteran. He emerged as a leading figure in the Right Sector during the 2013–2014 Euromaidan protests, organizing demonstrations and engaging in high-profile confrontations with authorities. Muzychko was known for his fiery speeches and uncompromising stance on Ukrainian sovereignty, which made him a polarizing figure. His activism highlighted the radical wing of Ukraine’s nationalist movement, challenging both government forces and political elites. On March 24, 2014, Muzychko died under disputed circumstances during an altercation with law enforcement, sparking controversy and debate. His death remains a symbol of the tensions surrounding Ukraine's struggle for political change.
2014
Oleksandr Muzychko
Swedish blogger and influencer
Swedish blogger and influencer
Swedish centenarian blogger and influencer, who inspired millions with her zest for life and digital creativity.
Born on May 8, 1912, Carlsson gained fame at age 99 by sharing her life experiences online.
Her blog offered candid reflections on aging, technology, and daily adventures.
She became one of the world’s oldest active bloggers, attracting an international following.
Carlsson appeared on television and at public events, promoting positive aging.
Her wit and openness bridged generational divides in the digital era.
She authored books and participated in documentaries about modern senior life.
Carlsson's story became a testament to lifelong curiosity and the power of sharing one's voice.
2022
Dagny Carlsson
American journalist and diplomat
American journalist and diplomat
American journalist and media executive who served as a diplomat and led the Voice of America.
Dick Carlson (born 1941) is an American journalist, media executive, and diplomat with a career spanning journalism, government service, and broadcasting. He began as a reporter and news anchor before becoming the director of the Voice of America in the late 1970s. Later, he served as U.S. ambassador to the Seychelles and held leadership roles within the U.S. Information Agency. Carlson's work focused on international media strategy and public diplomacy during pivotal moments in global politics. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for promoting press freedom and cross-cultural communication. Carlson's contributions have influenced both the practice of journalism and the conduct of American diplomatic outreach.
2025
Dick Carlson