The News Roundup — International (The 1A) 2020-06-19

At least 20 Indian soldiers are dead after a clash at the country’s norther border with China. India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, vowed that these deaths will not be in vain. Indian and Chinese generals are meeting to potentially deescalate tensions.

What’s behind the latest round of violence?

And in an attack on global press freedom, a judge in Manila found journalist Maria Ressa guilty of “cyber libel.”

Sheila Coronel wrote about the case for The Atlantic.

In a hushed courtroom, with only litigants, their lawyers, and three other journalists present, a judge convicted the Philippine journalist Maria Ressa for an article she did not write, edit, or supervise, of a crime that hadn’t even existed when the story was published.

In sentencing Maria and the story’s author, Reynaldo Santos Jr., to a jail term of six months to six years, Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa quoted Nelson Mandela, saying, “To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”

This is how democracy dies in the 21st century: in a musty courtroom, with a judge invoking Mandela.

What are the consequences of this ruling? And U.S. President Donald Trump plans to withdraw thousands of American troops from bases in Germany. Some international observers worry the move could strengthen Russia.

Will Congress block the president?
Interview:
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