Editing 2002 (section)

==Events==
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This timeline reflects the events described in the article above, determined by their inclusion in reliable sources about the year 2002. The sources used in this timeline exist solely to confirm the dates and do not on their own indicate due weight.

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===January===
[[File:Euro 1 coin.gif|thumb|1 [[euro]] coin]]
* January – [[Operation Enduring Freedom – Philippines]]: The Philippines and the United States begin a joint operation to combat Jihadist groups in the Philippines.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maxwell |first=David |date=2021-10-07 |title=Lessons from the Philippines: Irregular Warfare in Action |url=https://mwi.usma.edu/lessons-from-the-philippines-irregular-warfare-in-action/ |access-date=2022-12-12 |website=Modern War Institute |language=en-US |archive-date=December 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212014833/https://mwi.usma.edu/lessons-from-the-philippines-irregular-warfare-in-action/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[January 1]] – The [[Euro]] is introduced as the official physical currency in the [[Eurozone]] countries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/january/1/newsid_4044000/4044891.stm|title=Celebrations as euro hits the streets|date=2002-01-01|website=BBC News|access-date=2017-01-27|archive-date=April 8, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408085040/http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/january/1/newsid_4044000/4044891.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> The first physical transactions are carried out on [[Réunion]]. The former currencies of all the countries that use the Euro cease to be legal tender on February 28.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/pr/date/2002/html/pr020228.en.html|title=The euro becomes the sole legal tender in all euro area countries|date=2002-02-28|website=European Central Bank|language=en|access-date=2017-01-27|archive-date=April 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408095616/https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/pr/date/2002/html/pr020228.en.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[January 6]] – ''[[The Boston Globe]]'' publishes results of an investigation leading to the [[Sexual abuse scandal in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston|criminal prosecutions]] of five Roman Catholic priests and bringing widespread attention to the [[Catholic Church sexual abuse cases|sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Church allowed abuse by priest for years |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/special-reports/2002/01/06/church-allowed-abuse-priest-for-years/cSHfGkTIrAT25qKGvBuDNM/story.html |first1=Matt |last1=Carroll |first2=Sacha |last2=Pfeiffer |first3=Michael |last3=Rezendes |first4=Walter V. |last4=Robinson |newspaper=The Boston Globe |date=2002-01-06 |access-date=2023-03-12 |archive-date=May 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518025527/https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/special-reports/2002/01/06/church-allowed-abuse-priest-for-years/cSHfGkTIrAT25qKGvBuDNM/story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[January 16]] – The [[United Nations]] and Sierra Leone create a joint [[Special Court for Sierra Leone]] to prosecute the [[Revolutionary United Front]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bringing Justice: the Special Court for Sierra Leone: Brief Overview of the Establishment of the Special Court |url=https://www.hrw.org/reports/2004/sierraleone0904/2.htm |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=Human Rights Watch}}</ref>
* [[January 17]] – [[Mount Nyiragongo]] erupts in the [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]], displacing an estimated 400,000 people.<ref>{{cite web |title=Case study - volcanic eruption in a developing country: Mt Nyiragongo - Volcanoes and volcanic eruptions - Edexcel - GCSE Geography Revision - Edexcel |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zpf9mnb/revision/7 |website=BBC Bitesize |access-date=22 March 2021 |archive-date=April 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410145811/https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zpf9mnb/revision/7 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[January 18]] – The [[Sierra Leone Civil War]] comes to a conclusion with the defeat of the [[Revolutionary United Front]] by government forces.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.blackpast.org/gah/sierra-leone-civil-war-1991-2002|title=The Sierra Leone Civil War (1991–2002) {{!}} The Black Past: Remembered and Reclaimed|last=Momodu|first=Samuel|website=Black Past|date=January 16, 2017|language=en|access-date=2017-01-27|archive-date=February 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202032641/http://www.blackpast.org/gah/sierra-leone-civil-war-1991-2002|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[January 19]] – In [[American football]], [[Tom Brady]]'s victory in the [[Tuck Rule Game]] causes a national controversy.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=2016-10-05 |title=Tom Brady moments: Remembering the Tuck Rule |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2016/10/05/tom-brady-biggest-moments-tuck-rule |access-date=2024-10-07 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-us}}</ref>
* [[January 29]] – American president [[George W. Bush]] defines an [[axis of evil]] consisting of Iran, Iraq, and North Korea in [[2002 State of the Union Address|his State of the Union Address]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Glass |first=Andrew |date=2019-01-29 |title=President Bush cites 'axis of evil,' Jan. 29, 2002 |url=https://www.politico.com/story/2019/01/29/bush-axis-of-evil-2002-1127725 |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Politico}}</ref>

===February===
[[File:2002 Winter Olympics flame.jpg|thumb|upright|The [[Olympic flame]] during the [[2002 Winter Olympics]]]]
* [[February 3]] – [[2002 Afyon earthquake]]: A 6.0 magnitude earthquake strikes [[Afyonkarahisar Province]], Turkey, killing 41 people and damaging thousands of buildings.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2003-10-06 |title=Turkey: Afyon earthquake - Final report |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/turkey/turkey-afyon-earthquake-final-report |access-date=2022-12-11 |website=Reliefweb |publisher=United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs |language=en |archive-date=August 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813065711/https://reliefweb.int/report/turkey/turkey-afyon-earthquake-final-report |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[February 5]] – NASA launches the [[Reuven Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager]] as part of the [[Explorers Program]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Lin |first1=R.P. |last2=Dennis |first2=B.R. |last3=Hurford |first3=G.J. |last4=Smith |first4=D.M. |last5=Zehnder |first5=A. |last6=Harvey |first6=P.R. |last7=Curtis |first7=D.W. |last8=Pankow |first8=D. |last9=Turin |first9=P. |last10=Bester |first10=M. |last11=Csillaghy |first11=A. |last12=Lewis |first12=M. |last13=Madden |first13=N. |last14=Van Beek |first14=H.F. |last15=Appleby |first15=M. |date=2002 |title=The Reuven Ramaty High-Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI) |url=http://link.springer.com/10.1023/A:1022428818870 |journal=Solar Physics |volume=210 |issue=1/2 |pages=3–32 |doi=10.1023/A:1022428818870|bibcode=2002SoPh..210....3L }}</ref>
* [[February 6]] – [[Elizabeth II|Queen Elizabeth II]] of the [[Commonwealth realms]] celebrates her [[Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II|Golden Jubilee]], marking 50 years since her accession to the thrones of the [[United Kingdom]], [[Canada]], [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/queen-helps-cbc-tv-mark-50th-anniversary-1.323865|title=Queen helps CBC TV mark 50th anniversary|date=2002-10-11|website=CBC|access-date=2016-06-04|archive-date=January 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127085229/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/queen-helps-cbc-tv-mark-50th-anniversary-1.323865|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[February 8]]–[[February 24|24]] – The [[2002 Winter Olympics]] are held in [[Salt Lake City, Utah]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.olympic.org/salt-lake-city-2002|title=Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Olympics - results & video highlights|date=2016-10-13|website=International Olympic Committee|access-date=2016-12-10|archive-date=June 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602104222/https://www.olympic.org/salt-lake-city-2002|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[February 11]]
** Several Muslim-majority nations ban an issue of [[Newsweek International]] when it [[Depictions of Muhammad|depicts Muhammad]].<ref name=":52" />{{Rp|page=275}}
** The Catholic Church establishes four new dioceses in Russia, prompting backlash from the [[Russian Orthodox Church]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2002-02-12 |title=Vatican move irks Russian church |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2002/02/12/vatican-move-irks-russian-church/ |access-date=2024-10-13 |website=Chicago Tribune}}</ref>
* [[February 12]] 
** The [[trial of Slobodan Milošević]], the former president of [[Serbia and Montenegro|Yugoslavia]], begins at the [[International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia]] in [[The Hague]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/02/11/opinion/the-trial-of-slobodan-milosevic.html|title=The Trial of Slobodan Milosevic|date=2002-02-11|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=2017-01-27|archive-date=November 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108030603/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/02/11/opinion/the-trial-of-slobodan-milosevic.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
** The [[Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict]] comes into effect, establishing an international agreement against the use of [[child soldiers]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict |url=https://treaties.un.org/pages/showDetails.aspx?objid=0800000280001282&clang=_en |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=United Nations Treaty Collection}}</ref>
* [[February 14]]
** The [[State of Bahrain]] is declared a [[constitutional monarchy]] and becomes the [[Kingdom of Bahrain]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2002-02-15 |title=Bahrain now a monarchy |url=https://www.deseret.com/2002/2/15/19637636/bahrain-now-a-monarchy |access-date=2022-12-12 |website=Deseret News |language=en |archive-date=December 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212003209/https://www.deseret.com/2002/2/15/19637636/bahrain-now-a-monarchy |url-status=live }}</ref>
** The [[International Court of Justice]] rules in favor of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the ''[[Arrest Warrant of 11 April 2000 case]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Judgment of 14 February 2002 |url=https://www.icj-cij.org/node/103177 |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=International Court of Justice}}</ref>
* [[February 19]] – [[NASA]]'s ''[[2001 Mars Odyssey]]'' [[space probe]] begins to map the surface of [[Mars]] using its thermal emission imaging system.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wired.com/2009/02/feb-19-2002-odyssey-turns-its-cameras-on-mars/|title=Odyssey Turns Its Cameras on Mars|last=Long|first=Tony|date=2002-01-19|newspaper=Wired|language=en-US|access-date=2017-01-27|archive-date=September 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901201922/https://www.wired.com/2009/02/feb-19-2002-odyssey-turns-its-cameras-on-mars/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[February 22]] – [[UNITA]] guerrilla leader [[Jonas Savimbi]] is killed in clashes against government troops led by [[President of Angola|Angolan President]] [[José Eduardo dos Santos]] in [[Moxico Province]], [[Angola]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/1839252.stm|title=Savimbi 'died with gun in hand'|date=2002-02-25|newspaper=BBC News|access-date=2016-06-04|archive-date=June 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230614151458/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/1839252.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[February 23]]
** The [[Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia]] kidnap the presidential candidate [[Íngrid Betancourt]], holding her captive for the next six years.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brockes |first=Emma |date=2010-09-17 |title=Ingrid Betancourt: I still have nightmares |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/sep/18/ingrid-betancourt-i-still-have-nightmares |access-date=2024-10-07 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
** A ceasefire ends [[Eelam War III]] in Sri Lanka. It stays in effect until January 2008.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2008-01-06 |title=Sri Lanka tears up 2002 ceasefire |url=https://www.tamilguardian.com/content/sri-lanka-tears-2002-ceasefire |work=Tamil Guardian}}</ref> 
* [[February 25]] – ''Good Morning Afghanistan'' begins broadcasting over radio in Dari and Pashto, establishing a national news source for Afghanistan.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lobjakas |first=Ahto |date=2002-02-25 |title=Afghanistan: EU Begins Daily Radio Broadcasts Of 'Good Morning Afghanistan' |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/1098915.html |access-date=2024-10-07 |work=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |language=en}}</ref>
* [[February 27]] – A mob [[Godhra train burning|attacks]] a train near [[Godhra]], India, killing approximately 59 people.<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2021-02-16 |title=Godhra train burning case accused held after 19 years |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/godhra-train-burning-case-accused-held-after-19-years/article33853611.ece |access-date=2022-12-11 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=December 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211204011/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/godhra-train-burning-case-accused-held-after-19-years/article33853611.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> The state of Gujarat breaks out into [[2002 Gujarat riots|riots]], including the [[Gulbarg Society massacre]] on February 28 that kills approximately 69 people.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ghosh |first=Sohini |date=2022-07-01 |title=Gulberg Society case: 69 dead, 30 missing, all those convicted out on bail |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/gulberg-society-case-69-dead-30-missing-all-those-convicted-out-on-bail-8003685/ |access-date=2022-12-11 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=December 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211205500/https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/gulberg-society-case-69-dead-30-missing-all-those-convicted-out-on-bail-8003685/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===March===
[[File:Envisatmod.jpg|thumb|A model of the [[Envisat]] satellite]]
* [[March 1]] – The [[Envisat]] environmental satellite is launched, with its purpose being the recording of information on environmental change.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/science/2002/mar/01/spaceexploration.environment|title=New satellite will monitor global warming|date=2002-03-01|newspaper=The Guardian|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|access-date=2017-01-27|archive-date=October 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018125737/https://www.theguardian.com/science/2002/mar/01/spaceexploration.environment|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[March 2]]–[[March 10|10]] – Afghan and coalition troops carry out [[Operation Anaconda]] in the [[Shah-i-Kot Valley]], the largest combat operation against Al-Qaeda and the Taliban to that point.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Geibel |first=Adam |date=2002 |title=Operation Anaconda, Shah-i-Khot Valley, Afghanistan, 2-10 March 2002 |url=https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Military-Review/Online-Exclusive/2017-Online-Exclusive-Articles/Operation-Anaconda-Shah-i-Khot-Valley-Afghanistan/ |journal=[[Military Review]] |volume=82 |issue=3 |pages=72–77 |access-date=December 11, 2022 |archive-date=December 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211045937/https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Military-Review/Online-Exclusive/2017-Online-Exclusive-Articles/Operation-Anaconda-Shah-i-Khot-Valley-Afghanistan/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[March 3]] – Switzerland votes in favor of a referendum to join the [[United Nations]], challenging a long-held tradition of neutrality and isolationism.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Volger |first1=Helmut |title=A Concise Encyclopedia of the United Nations |date=28 December 2021 |publisher=BRILL |isbn=978-90-04-48120-6 |page=394 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=i2NjEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA394 |language=en}}</ref>
* [[March 11]] – The [[Tribute in Light]] is installed at the [[World Trade Center site]] in [[New York City]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dunlap |first=David W. |date=2015-09-11 |title=Tribute in Light Captures Grief and Joy of 9/11 Anniversary |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/11/nyregion/tribute-in-light-captures-grief-and-joy-of-9-11-anniversary.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911190401/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/11/nyregion/tribute-in-light-captures-grief-and-joy-of-9-11-anniversary.html |archive-date=2015-09-11 |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>
* [[March 25]]
** [[2002 Hindu Kush earthquakes]]: A 6.1 magnitude earthquake strikes [[Nahrin]], Afghanistan, killing 800 people and leaving 10,000 homeless.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2004-04-01 |title=Afghanistan: Earthquake Appeal No.10/02 Operations Update No. 5 |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/afghanistan/afghanistan-earthquake-appeal-no1002-operations-update-no-5 |access-date=2022-12-11 |website=ReliefWeb |publisher=United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs |language=en |archive-date=January 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117051523/https://reliefweb.int/report/afghanistan/afghanistan-earthquake-appeal-no1002-operations-update-no-5 |url-status=live }}</ref>
** [[Shenzhou 3]] is launched from China.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shenzhou 3 |url=https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=2002-014A |access-date=2024-10-13 |website=National Aeronautics and Space Administration}}</ref>
* [[March 27]]
** A Palestinian [[Passover massacre|suicide bomber kills]] 30 people and injures 140 others at a hotel in [[Netanya]], Israel.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/ten-years-after-passover-bombing-survivors-return-to-netanyas-park-hotel/|title=Ten years after Passover blast, survivors return to Park Hotel|last=Friedman|first=Matti|date=2012-03-27|newspaper=The Times of Israel|language=en-US|access-date=2017-01-27|archive-date=March 29, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329232332/http://www.timesofisrael.com/ten-years-after-passover-bombing-survivors-return-to-netanyas-park-hotel/|url-status=live}}</ref>
** [[Nanterre massacre]]: A man kills eight members of the [[Nanterre]] town council in France at the end of a council meeting.<ref name=":52" />{{Rp|page=229}}
* [[March 29]] – In response to increasingly common attacks by Palestinian militants, Israeli initiates [[Operation Defensive Shield]], a large-scale counter-terrorism operation in the [[West Bank]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/aug/02/israel|title=UN report details West Bank wreckage|last=Whitaker|first=Brian|date=2002-08-02|newspaper=The Guardian|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|access-date=2017-01-27|archive-date=October 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201015042344/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/aug/02/israel|url-status=live}}</ref>

===April===
[[File:Flickr - Israel Defense Forces - Standing Guard in Nablus.jpg|thumb|[[Israel Defense Force]] soldiers during the [[Battle of Nablus]]]]
* [[April 1]]
** The [[South West State of Somalia]] is established as an autonomous territory in Somalia by [[Hasan Muhammad Nur Shatigadud]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2002-04-02 |title=afrol News - Third autonomous region breaks with Somalia |url=http://www.afrol.com/News2002/som004_southwest.htm |access-date=2022-12-12 |website=afrol News |archive-date=December 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225082645/http://www.afrol.com/News2002/som004_southwest.htm%20 |url-status=live }}</ref>
** [[Battle of Jenin (2002)|Battle of Jenin]]: Israeli forces attack Palestinian militants in the [[Jenin refugee camp]].<ref>{{Cite report |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep08976.5 |title=Session I: Jenin: What Actually Happened? |date=2003-01-01 |publisher=Institute for National Security Studies |pages=15–22 |access-date=2022-12-12 |archive-date=December 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212014840/https://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep08976.5 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[April 2]] – [[Siege of the Church of the Nativity|Siege of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem]]: Israeli forces besiege the [[Church of the Nativity]] in [[Bethlehem]] when militants take shelter there. The siege will last for 38 days.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/1389824/Bloody-siege-of-Bethlehem.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/1389824/Bloody-siege-of-Bethlehem.html |archive-date=January 11, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Bloody siege of Bethlehem|last=Guardia|first=Anton La|date=2002-04-04|website=The Telegraph|access-date=2016-06-04}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
* [[April 3]]–[[April 8|8]] – [[Battle of Nablus]]: Israeli forces occupy [[Nablus]], Palestine.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 3, 2002 |title=Israeli tanks roll across West Bank |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/meast/04/03/mideast.military/index.html |access-date=2022-12-12 |website=CNN |archive-date=December 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212014831/http://edition.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/meast/04/03/mideast.military/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[April 4]] – A peace agreement is made to end the [[Angolan Civil War]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Butcher |first=Tim |date=2002-04-05 |title=Unita signs peace treaty with Angolan army to end 27-year civil war |language=en |newspaper=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/angola/1389946/Unita-signs-peace-treaty-with-Angolan-army-to-end-27-year-civil-war.html |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=2017-01-27 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/angola/1389946/Unita-signs-peace-treaty-with-Angolan-army-to-end-27-year-civil-war.html |archive-date=January 11, 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
* [[April 5]] – The genome sequence for [[indica rice]] is published.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wade |first=Nicholas |date=2002-05-05 |title=Experts Say They Have Key to Rice Genes |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/04/05/us/experts-say-they-have-key-to-rice-genes.html |access-date=2024-10-13 |work=The New York Times}}</ref>
* [[April 11]] – [[Llaguno Overpass events]]: a shootout takes place between the {{ill|Caracas Metropolitan Police|es|Policía Metropolitana de Caracas}} and pro-government [[Bolivarian Circles]] in central [[Caracas]], Venezuela, near the presidential [[Miraflores Palace]], causing 19 deaths and injuring 127 people.<ref name="Jones327">Jones (2008:327–8)</ref> The military high command refuse President [[Hugo Chávez]]'s order to implement the ''[[Plan Ávila]]'' as a response to the protests and demands his resignation.<ref name="p2325NELSON">{{cite book|last1=Nelson|first1=Brian A.|title-link= The Silence and the Scorpion|title=The silence and the scorpion : the coup against Chávez and the making of modern Venezuela|date=2009|publisher=Nation Books|isbn=978-1568584188|edition=online|location=New York|pages=23–25}}</ref> President Chávez is subsequently arrested by the military.<ref name="Ref_2008">{{cite web|date=2 January 2008|title=Esposa de Gebauer espera publicación en Gaceta de Ley de Amnistía|url=http://politica.eluniversal.com/2008/01/02/pol_ava_esposa-de-gebauer-es_02A1282403.shtml|access-date=31 January 2010|work=[[El Universal (Caracas)|El Universal]]|language=es|quote=Otto Gebauer fue imputado por el delito de insubordinación y privación ilegítima de libertad al coronel Hugo Chávez Frías,|archive-date=November 9, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081109014835/http://politica.eluniversal.com/2008/01/02/pol_ava_esposa-de-gebauer-es_02A1282403.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Ref_2006">{{cite web|date=15 March 2006|title=Veneconomía|url=http://www.veneconomy.com/site/files/articulos/artEsp3586_2470.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.veneconomy.com/site/files/articulos/artEsp3586_2470.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live|access-date=29 January 2010|language=es}}</ref><ref name="Ref_">Rey, J. C. (2002), [http://www.analitica.com/bitblioteca/juan_carlos_rey/insolito_golpe.asp "Consideraciones políticas sobre un insólito golpe de Estado"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090103201015/http://www.analitica.com/bitblioteca/juan_carlos_rey/insolito_golpe.asp|date=3 January 2009}}, pp. 1–16; cited in Cannon (2004:296); "In 2002, Venezuela's military and some of its business leaders ousted President Chavez from power and held him hostage." (N. Scott Cole (2007), "Hugo Chávez and President Bush's credibility gap: The struggle against US democracy promotion", ''International Political Science Review'', 28(4), p498)</ref> Chávez's request for asylum in Cuba is denied, and he is ordered to be tried in a Venezuelan court.<ref name="Bellos">{{cite web|last1=Bellos|first1=Alex|title=Chavez rises from very peculiar coup|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/apr/15/venezuela.alexbellos|access-date=8 February 2015|website=[[The Guardian]]|date=April 15, 2002|archive-date=May 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200524051905/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/apr/15/venezuela.alexbellos|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[April 12]] – [[Augustin Bizimungu]] is arrested for his involvement in the [[Rwandan genocide]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2002-08-15 |title=Former Rwandan army chief of staff arrested, transferred to UN war crimes tribunal |url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2002/08/42892 |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=UN News |language=en}}</ref>
* [[April 14]] – President [[Hugo Chávez]] of Venezuela is restored to power following [[2002 Venezuelan coup d'état attempt|an attempted coup]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Forero |first=Juan |date=2002-04-14 |title=A Chávez Comeback More Astounding Than His Fall |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/04/14/world/a-chavez-comeback-more-astounding-than-his-fall.html |access-date=2022-12-11 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211045934/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/04/14/world/a-chavez-comeback-more-astounding-than-his-fall.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[April 18]] – Romanian mathematician [[Preda Mihăilescu]] creates a proof for the [[Catalan's conjecture]], which had gone unsolved for 158 years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Weisstein |first=Eric W. |title=Catalan's Conjecture |url=https://mathworld.wolfram.com/CatalansConjecture.html |access-date=2024-10-13 |website=MathWorld |language=en}}</ref>
* [[April 25]] – South African [[Mark Shuttleworth]] blasts off from the [[Baikonur Cosmodrome]] on the [[Soyuz TM-34]], becoming the first African space tourist.<ref name=":16" />{{Rp|page=453}}
* [[April 26]] – [[Erfurt school massacre]]: An expelled student kills 17 (including himself) people at a school in [[Erfurt]], Germany.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2002-04-26 |title=Eighteen killed in German school shooting |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/apr/26/schools.education |access-date=2024-10-07 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
[[File:Vladimir Putin 24 May 2002-9.jpg|thumb|[[Vladimir Putin]] and [[George W. Bush]] sign the [[Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty]]]]

===May===
*[[May 2]] – [[Bojayá massacre]]: A church is struck with a cylinder bomb during a conflict between the [[Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia]] and the [[United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia]], killing an estimated 119 people.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Grattan |first1=Steven |last2=Voge |first2=Cady |title=Bojaya massacre: After 17 years, victims' remains returned |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2019/11/15/bojaya-massacre-after-17-years-victims-remains-returned |access-date=2022-12-11 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=December 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211060404/https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2019/11/15/bojaya-massacre-after-17-years-victims-remains-returned |url-status=live }}</ref>
*[[May 4]] – NASA launches the [[Aqua (satellite)|Aqua]] satellite as part of the [[Earth Observing System]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aqua {{!}} NASA's Earth Observing System |url=https://eospso.nasa.gov/missions/aqua |access-date=2024-10-13 |website=National Aeronautics and Space Administration}}</ref>
*[[May 9]] – [[2002 Kaspiysk bombing]]: Over 40 people are killed when insurgents bomb a military parade in [[Kaspiysk]], Russia.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=2010-03-31 |title=Timeline: Recent attacks in Russia |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-metro-blasts-timeline-idUSTRE62U0YJ20100331 |access-date=2022-12-11 |archive-date=December 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211060402/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-metro-blasts-timeline-idUSTRE62U0YJ20100331 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*[[May 10]] – American FBI agent [[Robert Hanssen]] is sentenced to life in prison for espionage.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grace |first=Francie |date=2002-05-10 |title=A Traitor On Tape - CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/a-traitor-on-tape/ |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=CBS News}}</ref>
*[[May 13]] – Rebels bombard [[Arthington, Liberia]], with artillery during the [[Second Liberian Civil War]] causing panic in the neighboring capital, [[Monrovia]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=McGreal |first=Chris |date=2002-05-14 |title=Shelling provokes terror in Liberia's capital |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/may/14/chrismcgreal |access-date=2024-10-07 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
*[[May 14]] – [[Kaluchak massacre]]: Militants attack a bus and an Indian army camp in Kaluchak, [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]], killing 31 people and escalating the [[2001–2002 India–Pakistan standoff|India–Pakistan standoff]].<ref name=":17">{{Cite book |last=Yusuf |first=Moeed |title=Brokering Peace in Nuclear Environments: U.S. Crisis Management in South Asia |date=2018 |publisher=Stanford University Press |isbn=978-1-5036-0655-5 |pages=83–84}}</ref>
*[[May 20]] &ndash; [[East Timor]] regains its [[East Timor independence|independence]] after 2.5 years of United Nations administration and 26 years of [[Indonesian occupation of East Timor|occupation]] by [[Indonesia]] since 1975.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2002/05/19/1021801638341.html|title=East Timor celebrates as a nation is born|date=2002-05-20|website=The Age|access-date=2017-01-27|archive-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203202856/http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2002/05/19/1021801638341.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[May 22]] – Nepali Prime Minister [[Sher Bahadur Deuba]] asks King [[Gyanendra of Nepal|Gyanendra]] to dissolve the parliament amid escalation of the Nepalese Civil War.<ref>{{Cite report |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/asa310722002en.pdf |title=Nepal: A Deepening Human Rights Crisis |date=2002 |publisher=Amnesty International |page=4}}</ref>
*[[May 24]] &ndash; United States President [[George W. Bush]] and Russian President [[Vladimir Putin]] sign the [[Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2002-05-24 |title=Bush and Putin sign historic anti-nuclear treaty |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/may/24/russia.usa |access-date=2024-10-09 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
* [[May 28]] – The [[NATO-Russia Council]] is established.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2002-05-28 |title=NATO-Russia Council Created |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/a-13-a-2002-05-28-21-nato-russia-67269457/379710.html |access-date=2024-10-09 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}</ref>
* [[May 31]] 
**The [[2002 FIFA World Cup]] begins, taking place in South Korea and Japan.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/may/31/worldcupfootball2002.sport10|title=The opening ceremony: as it happened|last=Murray|first=Scott|date=2002-05-31|newspaper=The Guardian|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|access-date=2017-01-27|archive-date=October 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017170028/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/may/31/worldcupfootball2002.sport10|url-status=live}}</ref>
** The [[Kyoto Protocol]] is ratified by the [[European Union]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/EN/legal-content/summary/kyoto-protocol-on-climate-change.html#:~:text=On%2031%20May%202002%2C%20the,the%20United%20States%20and%20Australia | title=Kyoto Protocol on climate change &#124; EUR-Lex }}</ref>

===June===
[[File:Quaoar-weywot hst.jpg|thumb|The trans-Neptunian dwarf planet [[Quaoar]] and its moon [[Weywot (moon)|Weywot]]. Quaoar's [[Quaoar#Rings|two rings]] are not resolved in this image.]]
* [[June 3]] – Archaeologists begin uncovering the [[Liye Qin Slips]] in [[Liye]], China.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Xueqin |first=Li |date=2004-01-01 |title=A Preliminary Study of the Qin Period Inscribed Slips from Liye |url=https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/CHAR.2004.4.1.158/html |journal=Chinese Archaeology |volume=4 |issue=1 |doi=10.1515/CHAR.2004.4.1.158 |issn=2160-5068}}</ref>
* [[June 4]]
** The ringed dwarf planet [[Quaoar]] is discovered by astronomers [[Chad Trujillo]] and [[Michael E. Brown|Michael Brown]] at the [[Palomar Observatory]].<ref name="jpldataquaoar">{{cite web |type=2023-08-31 last obs |title=JPL Small-Body Database Browser: 50000 Quaoar ({{mp|2002 LM|60}}) |work=NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory |url=https://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/tools/sbdb_lookup.html#/?sstr=Quaoar |access-date=5 July 2024 }}</ref>
** The [[Zeyzoun Dam]] in [[Zayzun, Hama|Zayzun]], Syria, fails.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2002-06-04 |title=Syrian dam collapses |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2025583.stm |access-date=2022-12-12 |archive-date=September 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914174803/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2025583.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[June 8]] – The [[Lennox Lewis vs. Mike Tyson]] boxing fight takes place. Following a scuffle prior to the match, [[Lennox Lewis]] defeats [[Mike Tyson]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cancian |first=Dan |date=2021-04-28 |title=Here's What Happened the Last Time Mike Tyson Fought Lennox Lewis |url=https://www.newsweek.com/mike-tyson-lennox-lewis-what-happened-last-fight-1587147 |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=Newsweek |language=en}}</ref>
* [[June 10]] – British scientist [[Kevin Warwick]] carries out first direct electronic communication experiment between the nervous systems of two humans.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/nervous-system-hookup-leads-to-telepathic-hand-holding|title=Nervous System Hookup Leads to Telepathic Hand-Holding|last=Giaimo|first=Cara|date=2015-06-10|newspaper=Atlas Obscura|language=en|access-date=2017-01-27|archive-date=June 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150611064804/http://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/nervous-system-hookup-leads-to-telepathic-hand-holding|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[June 12]] – The [[ImClone stock trading case]] begins when [[ImClone Systems]] CEO [[Samuel D. Waksal]] is arrested for [[insider trading]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2002-06-13 |title=Former ImClone CEO Samuel Waksal arrested - Jun. 12, 2002 |url=https://money.cnn.com/2002/06/12/news/waksal/index.htm |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=CNN Money}}</ref>
* [[June 13]]
** Afghanistan changes its official longform name to the [[Transitional Islamic State of Afghanistan]].<ref name="AFG_constitution">{{Cite web|url=http://president.gov.af/sroot_eng.aspx?id=68|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101127090617/http://president.gov.af/sroot_eng.aspx?id=68|url-status=dead|title=Afghanistan ratified a new constitution on 26 Jan 2004|archive-date=November 27, 2010}}</ref><ref>CIA World Factbook 2003</ref>
** The United States withdraws from the [[Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty]] with Russia.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Milbank |first=Dana |date=2002-06-13 |title=U.S. Withdraws From Missile Treaty |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2002/06/14/us-withdraws-from-missile-treaty/ab565e15-9814-43ee-bf46-3e3a5e3d91bd/ |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref>
* [[June 14]] – Russia withdraws from the [[START II]] nuclear reduction agreement with the United States.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wyatt |first=Caroline |date=2002-06-14 |title=Russia abandons Start II arms treaty |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/2044941.stm |access-date=2024-10-09 |language=en-GB}}</ref>
* [[June 22]] – [[2002 Bou'in-Zahra earthquake]]: A 6.5 magnitude earthquake strikes north-western Iran, killing over 200 people.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Mahdavifar |first1=Mohammad R. |last2=Solaymani |first2=Shahryar |last3=Jafari |first3=Mohammad K. |date=2006-08-10 |title=Landslides triggered by the Avaj, Iran earthquake of June 22, 2002 |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013795206001104 |journal=Engineering Geology |series=Landslides Induced by Earthquake and Volcanic Activity |volume=86 |issue=2 |pages=166–182 |doi=10.1016/j.enggeo.2006.02.016 |bibcode=2006EngGe..86..166M |issn=0013-7952}}</ref>
* [[June 25]] – The [[WorldCom scandal]] breaks and the [[U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission]] begins its investigation into [[WorldCom]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ulick |first=Jake |date=2002-06-26 |title=SEC hits WorldCom with charges |url=https://money.cnn.com/2002/06/25/news/worldcom/index.htm |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=CNN Money}}</ref>
* [[June 29]] – [[Battle of Yeongpyeong (2002)|Second Battle of Yeonpyeong]]: During the 2002 FIFA World Cup in [[South Korea]] and [[Japan]], two North Korean patrol boats cross a contested border in between the two Koreas and attack two South Korean [[Chamsuri-class patrol boat]]s.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Yonhap |title=S. Korea marks 2002 inter-Korean naval skirmish with 'victory' ceremony |url=https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20220629000197 |access-date=23 September 2023 |work=The Korea Herald |date=29 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230101071959/https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20220629000197 |archive-date=1 January 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
* [[June 30]] – 2002 FIFA World Cup: Brazil beats Germany 2–0 in the [[2002 FIFA World Cup Final]] with [[Ronaldo (Brazilian footballer)|Ronaldo]] scoring the two goals; Brazil's captain [[Cafu]], who becomes the first player to appear in three successive World Cup finals, accepts the trophy on behalf of the team.<ref>{{cite news | title = Ronaldo's Sweetest Vindication | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/01/sports/soccer-ronaldo-s-sweetest-vindication.html | newspaper = The New York Times | date = 1 July 2002 | access-date = 22 May 2010 | first = Jere | last = Longman | archive-date = May 1, 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110501071146/http://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/01/sports/soccer-ronaldo-s-sweetest-vindication.html | url-status = live }}</ref>

===July===
[[File:Flag of the African Union.svg|thumb|The flag of the [[African Union]]]]
* [[July 1]] – The [[Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court|Rome Statute]] comes into force, thereby establishing the [[International Criminal Court]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/1970312.stm|title=US renounces world court treaty|date=2002-05-06|website=BBC News|access-date=2017-01-27|archive-date=July 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726172535/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/1970312.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[July 3]] – NASA launches the [[CONTOUR]] satellite but loses contact.<ref>{{Cite web |title=CONTOUR |url=https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=2002-034A |access-date=2024-10-13 |website=National Aeronautics and Space Administration}}</ref>
* [[July 5]] – The [[Imperial War Museum North]] opens in [[Trafford]], England.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The History of IWM |url=https://www.iwm.org.uk/corporate/IWM-history |website=Imperial War Museum}}</ref>
* [[July 9]]
** The [[Organisation of African Unity]] is disbanded and replaced by the [[African Union]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/2115736.stm|title=African Union replaces dictators' club|date=2002-07-08|newspaper=BBC News|access-date=2016-06-04|archive-date=March 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304011606/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/2115736.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>
** The [[Church of England]] allows divorcees to remarry.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2002-07-09 |title=Anglican Church eases rules on remarriage |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/2002/07/09/Anglican-Church-eases-rules-on-remarriage/3471026187200/ |access-date=2024-10-13 |website=UPI}}</ref>
* [[July 11]]
** The first synthetic virus is announced after being successfully created and tested at [[Stony Brook University]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pollack |first=Andrew |date=2002-07-12 |title=Traces of Terror: The Science; Scientists Create a Live Polio Virus |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/12/us/traces-of-terror-the-science-scientists-create-a-live-polio-virus.html |access-date=2022-12-11 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211064220/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/12/us/traces-of-terror-the-science-scientists-create-a-live-polio-virus.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
** Former Argentine junta leader [[Leopoldo Galtieri]] is arrested for the kidnap, torture, and murder of 20 leftist guerillas during the [[Dirty War]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=McGirk |first=Jan |date=2002-07-12 |title=General Galtieri is arrested on torture and murder charges |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/general-galtieri-is-arrested-on-torture-and-murder-charges-183984.html |website=The Independent}}</ref>
** The discovery of the early hominid ''[[Sahelanthropus]]'' is announced.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Radford |first=Tim |date=2002-07-11 |title=Scientists find key evidence of our oldest relative after 25 years searching the Sahara |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/jul/11/research.highereducation |access-date=2024-10-13 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
* [[July 13]] – Militants attack in Qasim Nagar, Jammu and Kashmir, killing 29 people.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ahmad |first=Mukhtar |date=2002-07-13 |title=29 killed in militant attack in Jammu |url=https://www.rediff.com/news/2002/jul/13jk2.htm |access-date=2022-12-11 |website=Rediff |archive-date=December 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211060403/https://www.rediff.com/news/2002/jul/13jk2.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[July 14]] – The only captive [[baiji]] dolphin dies as the species approaches extinction.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chen |first=Na |date=2002-07-14 |title=Dolphin QiQi is Gone, but Research will Continue |url=https://english.cas.cn/newsroom/archive/news_archive/nu2002/201502/t20150215_136283.shtml |access-date=2022-12-07 |website=Chinese Academy of Sciences |archive-date=December 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207161153/https://english.cas.cn/newsroom/archive/news_archive/nu2002/201502/t20150215_136283.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[July 20]] – The [[Machakos Protocol]] is signed during the [[Second Sudanese Civil War]], establishing a framework for peace talks and possible independence of South Sudan.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2002-08-12 |title=Peace talks resume in Kenya |url=https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/news/2002/08/12/peace-talks-resume-kenya |website=The New Humanitarian}}</ref>
* [[July 21]] – At the height of the [[WorldCom scandal]], WorldCom files the largest bankruptcy in American history.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Beltran |first=Luisa |date=2022-07-22 |title=WorldCom files largest bankruptcy ever |url=https://money.cnn.com/2002/07/19/news/worldcom_bankruptcy/ |access-date=2024-11-16 |website=CNN Money}}</ref>
* [[July 23]] – Salvadoran generals [[José Guillermo García]] and [[Carlos Eugenio Vides Casanova]] are found liable for torture in an American court.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bach |first=Trevor |date=2014-06-12 |title=Two Salvadoran Generals Ordered Deported for Civil War Torture |url=https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/two-salvadoran-generals-ordered-deported-for-civil-war-torture-6395902 |website=Miami New Times}}</ref>
* [[July 25]]–[[August 4]] – The [[2002 Commonwealth Games]] are held in [[Manchester]], England.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-07-26 |title=Manchester memories: Reliving 2002 Commonwealth Games as Glasgow 2014 starts with a bang |url=https://www.mancunianmatters.co.uk/sport/26072014-manchester-memories-reliving-2002-commonwealth-games-as-glasgow-2014-starts-with-a-bang/ |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=Mancunian Matters |language=en-GB}}</ref>

===August===
* [[August 7]] – The [[AKS primality test]] is published by [[Manindra Agrawal]], [[Neeraj Kayal]], and [[Nitin Saxena]] from the [[Indian Institutes of Technology]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Weisstein |first=Eric W. |title=MathWorld News: Primality Testing Is Easy |url=https://mathworld.wolfram.com/news/2002-08-07/primetest/ |access-date=2024-10-13 |website=MathWorld |language=en}}</ref>
* [[August 19]] – [[2002 Khankala Mi-26 crash]]: Chechen separatists shoot down a Russian [[Mil Mi-26]], killing 127 soldiers. It was the worst aviation disaster in the history of the Russian military.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2004-04-30 |title=Chechen gets life for killing 127 Russian soldiers |url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2004/apr/30/russia.chechnya |access-date=2022-12-11 |website=The Guardian |language=en |archive-date=December 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211060405/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2004/apr/30/russia.chechnya |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[August 22]]–[[September 4]] &ndash; [[Typhoon Rusa]], the most powerful typhoon to hit South Korea in 43 years, makes landfall, killing at least 236 people.<ref name="ifrc99">{{cite report|author=International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies|publisher=United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs|date=2002-09-09|title=DPR Korea: Typhoon Rusa Information Bulletin No. 2/2002|access-date=2012-07-31|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/democratic-peoples-republic-korea/dpr-korea-typhoon-rusa-information-bulletin-no-22002|archive-date=August 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808054037/http://reliefweb.int/report/democratic-peoples-republic-korea/dpr-korea-typhoon-rusa-information-bulletin-no-22002|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="guy">{{cite report |author=Guy Carpenter |date=2003-01-30 |title=Tropical Cyclone Review 2002 |publisher=Marsh & McLennan Companies |access-date=2012-07-25 |url=http://gcportal.guycarp.com/portal/extranet/popup/pdf/GCPub/tropcyc_02.pdf |page=21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206042923/http://gcportal.guycarp.com/portal/extranet/popup/pdf/GCPub/tropcyc_02.pdf |archive-date=2012-02-06 }}</ref>
* [[August 26]]–[[September 4]] – [[Earth Summit 2002]] takes places in [[Johannesburg]], South Africa, aimed at discussing [[sustainable development]] by the [[United Nations]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Tilbury |first=Daniella |date=2003 |title=The World Summit, Sustainable Development and Environmental Education |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/44656369 |journal=Australian Journal of Environmental Education |volume=19 |pages=109–113 |doi=10.1017/S0814062600001518 |jstor=44656369 |issn=0814-0626}}</ref>
* [[August 28]] – [[EUMETSAT]] launches the [[Meteosat 8]] satellite as part of its [[Meteosat]] program.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Long-serving European weather satellite safely moved to the "graveyard orbit" |url=https://www.eumetsat.int/long-serving-european-weather-satellite-safely-moved-graveyard-orbit |access-date=2024-10-13 |website=EUMETSAT}}</ref>

===September===
* September – Yemeni [[al-Qaeda]] operative [[Ramzi bin al-Shibh]] is arrested in Pakistan for involvement in the September 11 attacks. He will later be found [[Competency evaluation (law)|unfit to stand trial]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Goksedef |first=Ece |date=2023-09-22 |title=9/11 defendant unfit to stand trial, US judge rules |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66886923 |access-date=2024-10-12}}</ref>
* [[September 10]] – Switzerland joins the [[United Nations]] as the 190th member state after rejecting a place in 1986.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.un.org/press/en/2002/GA10041.doc.htm|title=With Admission of Switzerland, United Nations Family Now Numbers 190 Member States|date=2002-09-10|website=United Nations|language=en|access-date=2017-01-27|archive-date=March 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150313224022/https://www.un.org/press/en/2002/GA10041.doc.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[September 14]]–[[September 27|27]] – [[Hurricane Isidore]] crosses Cuba, the [[Yucatán Peninsula]], and [[Louisiana]].<ref name=":18" />
* [[September 19]] – General [[Robert Guéï]] leads an [[2002 Ivorian coup attempt|army mutiny]] in an attempt to overthrow [[Ivory Coast]] President [[Laurent Gbagbo]], resulting in [[First Ivorian Civil War|civil war]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/ivory-coast-turmoil-in-a-troubled-country-1.1007287|title=Ivory Coast: Turmoil in a troubled country|newspaper=CBC News|access-date=2017-01-27|archive-date=September 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923162917/https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/ivory-coast-turmoil-in-a-troubled-country-1.1007287|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[September 21]]–[[October 4]] – [[Hurricane Lili]] crosses Cuba and several other Caribbean islands before making landfall in Louisiana.<ref name=":18" />
* [[September 27]] – [[East Timor]] is admitted to the [[United Nations]] as the 191st member state;<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.un.org/press/en/2002/ga10069.doc.htm|title=Unanimous Assembly Decision Makes 191st United Nations Member State|website=United Nations|access-date=2016-06-04|archive-date=November 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151101142500/https://www.un.org/press/en/2002/ga10069.doc.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> it also changes its official longform name from "Democratic Republic of East Timor" to "Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste".
[[File:Operation Enduring Freedom - djibouti2.jpg|thumb|American and French soldiers in [[Operation Enduring Freedom – Horn of Africa]]]]

===October===
* October – [[Operation Enduring Freedom – Horn of Africa]]: The United States deploys troops to the [[Horn of Africa]] to combat Islamist groups and pirates.<ref>{{Cite report |url=https://sipri.org/sites/default/files/2019-04/sipribp1904.pdf |title=The Foreign Military Presence in the Horn of Africa Region |last=Melvin |first=Neil |date=2019 |publisher=Stockholm International Peace Research Institute |page=20 |access-date=2022-12-12 |archive-date=December 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212014829/https://sipri.org/sites/default/files/2019-04/sipribp1904.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[October 2]] – Former [[Republika Srpska]] president [[Biljana Plavšić]] pleads guilty to [[crimes against humanity]] for her involvement in the [[Bosnian genocide]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Simons |first=Marlise |date=2002-10-03 |title=Ex-Bosnian Serb Leader Enters Guilty Plea to The Hague |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/03/international/europe/exbosnian-serb-leader-enters-guilty-plea-to-the-hague.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226233021/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/03/international/europe/exbosnian-serb-leader-enters-guilty-plea-to-the-hague.html |archive-date=2021-02-26 |access-date=2024-10-10 |work=The New York Times}}</ref>
* [[October 4]] – The genome sequences for malaria carriers ''[[anopheles gambiae]]'' and ''[[plasmodium falciparum]]'' are published.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Aultman |first1=Kathryn S. |last2=Gottlieb |first2=Michael |last3=Giovanni |first3=Maria Y. |last4=Fauci |first4=Anthony S. |date=2002-10-04 |title=Anopheles gambiae Genome: Completing the Malaria Triad |url=https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.298.5591.13 |journal=Science |language=en |volume=298 |issue=5591 |pages=13 |doi=10.1126/science.298.5591.13 |pmid=12364752 |issn=0036-8075}}</ref>
* [[October 10]] – The International Court of Justice rules in favor of Cameroon in ''Cameroon v. Nigeria''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Judgment of 10 October 2002 |url=https://www.icj-cij.org/node/103194 |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=International Court of Justice}}</ref>
* [[October 11]] – The [[United States Congress]] approves military action in Iraq should it fail to comply with United Nations requirements for [[weapon of mass destruction|weapons of mass destruction]].
* [[October 12]] – [[Jemaah Islamiyah]] militants [[2002 Bali bombings|detonate multiple bombs]] in two nightclubs in [[Kuta, Bali]], killing 202 people and injuring over 300 people, making it the worst terrorist act in Indonesia's history.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/2778923.stm|title=Bali death toll set at 202|date=2003-02-19|newspaper=BBC News|access-date=2016-06-04|archive-date=May 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513062055/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/2778923.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[October 15]] – The [[2002 Somali Reconciliation Conference|Somali Reconciliation Conference]] begins, initiating peace talks between two factions of the [[Somali Civil War]]: the [[Transitional National Government of Somalia|Transitional National Government]] and the government of [[Puntland]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2002-10-15 |title=Peace talks underway in Kenya |url=https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/report/35154/somalia-peace-talks-underway-kenya |website=The New Humanitarian}}</ref>
* [[October 16]]
** The Indian military stands down from the border with Pakistan, ending the standoff between the two nations.<ref name=":17" />
** The [[Bibliotheca Alexandrina]] opens in [[Alexandria]], Egypt, in a ceremony attended by several heads of state.<ref>{{Cite web |last=El Deeb |first=Sarah |date=2002-10-16 |title=Bibliotheca Alexandrina To Open |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/bibliotheca-alexandrina-to-open/ |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=CBS News |language=en-US}}</ref>
* [[October 17]] – The [[European Space Agency]] launches the [[INTEGRAL]] observatory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=INTEGRAL (INTErnational Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory) |url=https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/integral#integral-international-gamma-ray-astrophysics-laboratory |access-date=2024-10-13 |website=eoPortal}}</ref>
* [[October 21]] – The discovery of the [[James Ossuary]] is announced.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zohar |first=Gil |date=2023-07-29 |title=James Ossuary, alleged relic of Jesus's brother, to be shown in Dallas |url=https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-752545 |access-date=2024-10-13 |website=The Jerusalem Post}}</ref>
* [[October 23]]–[[October 26|26]] – [[Chechnya|Chechen]] rebels take control of the ''[[Nord-Ost]]'' theatre in [[Moscow]] and [[Moscow theater hostage crisis|hold the audience hostage]]. At least 170 people are killed following a Russian attempt to subdue the militants.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/oct/24/russia.chechnya|title=Chechen gunmen storm Moscow theatre|last=Steele|first=Nick Paton Walsh Jonathan|date=2002-10-23|newspaper=The Guardian|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|access-date=2017-01-27|archive-date=December 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201224650/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/oct/24/russia.chechnya|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[October 24]]
** The culprits of the [[D.C. sniper attacks]] are arrested after they kill ten people in the United States over the previous three weeks.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-20 |title=DC Area Sniper Fast Facts |url=https://www.cnn.com/2013/11/04/us/dc-area-sniper-fast-facts/index.html |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=CNN}}</ref>
** [[2002 Bahraini general election]]: Bahrain holds its first Parliamentary elections since 1973.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bahrain: parliamentary elections Al-Nuwab, 2002 |url=http://archive.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/arc/2371_02.htm |access-date=2022-12-11 |website=archive.ipu.org |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305012223/http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/arc/2371_02.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[October 27]] – [[2002 Brazilian general election]]: [[Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva]] is elected President of Brazil.
* [[October 31]] – Belarus restricts religious activity outside of the [[Belarusian Orthodox Church]] with a new law.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wines |first=Michael |date=2002-11-23 |title=New Belarus Law Codifies Rising Religious Repression |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/23/world/new-belarus-law-codifies-rising-religious-repression.html |access-date=2024-10-13 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>

=== November ===
[[File:S-vicente2-Prestige oil spill.jpg|thumb|Cleanup after the [[MV Prestige|MV ''Prestige'']] disaster]]
* [[November 3]] – [[2002 Denali earthquake]]: A 7.9 magnitude earthquake, one of the strongest North American earthquakes recorded, occurs in Alaska.<ref name=":52" />{{Rp|page=181}}
* [[November 7]] – A [[2002 Gibraltar sovereignty referendum|sovereignty referendum]] is held in [[Gibraltar]]. The people reject Spanish sovereignty.<ref name=":52" />{{Rp|page=385}}
* [[November 8]] – The [[United Nations Security Council]] unanimously adopts [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441|Resolution 1441]], forcing [[Ba'athist Iraq|Iraq]] to either [[Iraq disarmament crisis|disarm or face]] "serious consequences".<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/30/world/meast/iraq-weapons-inspections-fast-facts/index.html|title=Iraq Weapons Inspections Fast Facts|date=2016-03-04|website=CNN|access-date=2017-01-27|archive-date=March 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314010652/http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/30/world/meast/iraq-weapons-inspections-fast-facts/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Iraq agrees to the terms of the resolution on November 13.<ref name=":0" />
* [[November 13]] – [[Prestige oil spill|''Prestige'' oil spill]]: Greek oil tanker {{MV|Prestige}} begins spilling oil coast of [[Galicia (Spain)|Galicia]]. It will continue until November 19, spilling 60,000 tonnes of oil in the worst environmental disaster in the history of the [[Iberian Peninsula]].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Martinez |first1=Marta Rodriguez |last2=Llach |first2=Laura |date=2022-11-14 |title='Terrifying cocktail': Spain's worst environmental disaster, 20 years |url=https://www.euronews.com/2022/11/14/spains-biggest-environmental-disaster-the-prestige-20-years-after |access-date=2022-12-11 |website=Euronews |language=en |archive-date=December 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211042302/https://www.euronews.com/2022/11/14/spains-biggest-environmental-disaster-the-prestige-20-years-after |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[November 15]] – [[Hu Jintao]] becomes [[General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2002-11-15 |title=Hu confirmed as China's next leader |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2002/nov/15/china.world1 |access-date=2024-11-17 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
* [[November 16]] – [[2002–2004 SARS outbreak]]: The first case of the [[SARS|Severe acute respiratory syndrome]] (SARS) epidemic, a [[zoonosis]] caused by a [[coronavirus]], is recorded in [[Guangdong]] province of south China.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Feng |first1=Dan |last2=de Vlas |first2=Sake J. |last3=Fang |first3=Li-Qun |last4=Han |first4=Xiao-Na |last5=Zhao |first5=Wen-Juan |last6=Sheng |first6=Shen |last7=Yang |first7=Hong |last8=Jia |first8=Zhong-Wei |last9=Richardus |first9=Jan Hendrik |last10=Cao |first10=Wu-Chun |date=November 2009 |title=The SARS epidemic in mainland China: bringing together all epidemiological data |journal=Tropical Medicine & International Health |language=en |volume=14 |issue=Suppl 1 |pages=4–13 |doi=10.1111/j.1365-3156.2008.02145.x |pmc=7169858 |pmid=19508441}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.who.int/csr/sars/country/table2004_04_21/en/index.html|title=Summary of probable SARS cases with onset of illness from 1 November 2002 to 31 July 2003|publisher=[[World Health Organization]]|year=2004|access-date=2011-06-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110624025825/http://www.who.int/csr/sars/country/table2004_04_21/en/index.html|archive-date=2011-06-24|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[November 22]] – [[NATO]] announces seven new countries that intend to join: Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2002-11-22 |title=NATO Summit Closes With Seven New Members |url=https://www.dw.com/en/nato-summit-closes-with-seven-new-members/a-680791 |access-date=2024-10-09 |website=Deutsche Welle |language=en}}</ref>
* [[November 25]]
** The [[Hague Code of Conduct]] is signed to regulate [[intercontinental ballistic missiles]] internationally.<ref>{{Cite web |title=FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HCoC {{!}} HCoC |url=https://www.hcoc.at/what-is-hcoc/frequently-asked-questions.html |access-date=2024-10-09 |website=www.hcoc.at}}</ref>
** U.S. President George W. Bush signs the [[Homeland Security Act of 2002|Homeland Security Act]] into law, establishing the [[United States Department of Homeland Security|Department of Homeland Security]], in the largest U.S. government reorganization since the creation of the [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]] in [[1947]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/2512891.stm|title=Bush signs landmark security act|date=2002-11-25|website=BBC News|access-date=2017-01-27|archive-date=October 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020062609/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/2512891.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Following a several month-long transitional period, it commences operations the following year.
* [[November 28]] – [[2002 Mombasa attacks]]: Suicide bombers blow up an Israeli-owned hotel in [[Mombasa]], Kenya, but their colleagues fail in their attempt to bring down an [[Arkia|Arkia Israel Airlines]] charter flight with surface-to-air-missiles.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Sher |first=Hanan |date=2003 |title=Israel |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/23605545 |journal=The American Jewish Year Book |volume=103 |pages=183–280 |jstor=23605545 |issn=0065-8987 |access-date=June 27, 2022 |archive-date=June 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627024124/https://www.jstor.org/stable/23605545 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===December===
*[[December 2]] – Opponents of President Chavez begin [[2002–2003 Venezuelan general strike|a strike]] in Venezuela.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bellos |first=Alex |last2= |first2= |date=2002-12-28 |title=Strikes force oil-exporting Venezuela to import fuel |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/dec/28/venezuela.alexbellos |access-date=2024-10-09 |work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
*[[December 3]] – The government of Burundi signs a ceasefire with the [[CNDD-FDD]] rebel group to end the [[Burundian Civil War]]. It holds until February 2003.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Burundi: Civilians Pay the Price of Faltering Peace Process |url=https://www.hrw.org/legacy/backgrounder/africa/burundi/burundi0203.htm |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=Human Rights Watch}}</ref>
*[[December 17]]
**A peace agreement is made in the [[Second Congo War]], approving the creation of the [[Transitional Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo]].<ref name=":3" />{{Rp|pages=100–101}}
**The International Court of Justice rules in favor of Malaysia in the [[Ligitan and Sipadan dispute]] with Indonesia.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Summary of the Judgment of 17 December 2002 |url=https://www.icj-cij.org/node/103907 |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=International Court of Justice}}</ref>
*[[December 27]]
**[[2002 Grozny truck bombing]]: Chechen suicide bombers attack the government headquarters in [[Grozny]], Russia, killing over 70 people.<ref name=":1" />
**[[2002 Kenyan general election]]: Kenya holds its first free elections, ousting the dominant [[Kenya African National Union]] Party following a victory of the [[National Rainbow Coalition]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Anderson |first=David M. |date=2003 |title=Briefing: Kenya's Elections 2002: The Dawning of a New Era? |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/3518682 |journal=African Affairs |volume=102 |issue=407 |pages=331–342 |doi=10.1093/afraf/adg007 |jstor=3518682 |issn=0001-9909 |access-date=December 12, 2022 |archive-date=December 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212003207/https://www.jstor.org/stable/3518682 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*[[December 29]] – [[Shenzhou 4]] is launched from China.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shenzhou 4 |url=https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=2002-061A |access-date=2024-10-13 |website=National Aeronautics and Space Administration}}</ref>
*[[December 31]] – The [[United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina]] ends.<ref>{{Cite web |title=UNMIBH: United Nations Mission in Bosnia Herzegovina - Background |url=https://peacekeeping.un.org/ru/mission/past/unmibh/background.html |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=Bosnia and Herzegovina - UNMIBH |publisher=United Nations Department of Public Information}}</ref>