Deaths on October 17

Daniel Emilfork, Chilean-French actor (b. 1924)

Daniel Emilfork (7 April 1924 – 17 October 2006) was a Chilean stage and film actor who made his career in France.

4 Jan

Ariel Sharon
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon of Israel suffers a second, apparently more serious stroke. His authority is transferred to acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.
21 Mar

Twitter
The social media site Twitter is founded.
11 Apr

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad announces Iran's claim to have successfully enriched uranium.
5 Jun

State Union of Serbia and Montenegro
Serbia declares independence from the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro.
29 Jun

Guantanamo Bay detention camp
Hamdan v. Rumsfeld: The U.S. Supreme Court rules that President George W. Bush's plan to try Guantanamo Bay detainees in military tribunals violates U.S. and international law.