upi--2020-06-14--Atlanta police chief resigns, officer fired, another on leave after man killed

June 14 ( UPI ) -- An Atlanta police officer who fatally shot a black man outside a Wendy 's has been terminated and another officer placed on administrative leave , the department announced early Sunday .
Hours earlier on Saturday night , Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields resigned in fallout from the killing of Rayshard Brooks , 27 , around 10:30 p.m. Friday .
Later Saturday , the restaurant was engulfed in flames as protesters shut down all lanes of the southbound downtown connector at University Avenue .
Garrett Rolfe , who shot Brooks and had been with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fired , Atlanta Police Spokesman Carlos Campos confirmed to WSB and WXIA-TV .
The other officer on the scene , Devin Brosnan , who joined the department in September 2018 , has been placed on administrative duty .
The roles of the officers during the incident were not given by the department .
Video released Saturday afternoon by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation appears to show Brooks taking a Taser from an officer , running from police and then firing it at them before an officer shot at him .
Atlanta Mayor Keisha @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the officer that killed Brooks .
`` While there may be a debate about whether this was an appropriate use of deadly force , I firmly believe there is a clear distinction between what you can do and what you should do , '' Bottoms said .
`` Out of a deep and abiding love for this City and this department , I offered to step aside as police chief .
APD has my full support , and Mayor Bottoms has my support on the future direction of this department , '' Shields @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to Bottoms , Shields will remain with the department and assistant chief Rodney Bryant will become the interim chief while the city searches for a replacement .
A decision on whether to file charges has n't been made .
Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard told CNN that Brooks did `` not seem to present any kind of threat to anyone , and so the fact that it would escalate to his death just seems unreasonable .
If that shot was fired for some reason other than to save that officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or others , then that shooting is not justified under the law . ''
On Friday night , officers responded to reports a man was asleep at the wheel in the Wendy 's drive-thru .
Brooks failed a field sobriety test and he said he did n't have a weapon , according to the video .
When the officers tried to take Brooks into custody , there was a struggle .
Ultimately , he was shot .
Brooks died at Grady Memorial Hospital , according to the GBI .
`` Y'all took him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' a protester told WSB-TV .
`` That boy was n't breaking no crime .
He went to get something to eat and fell asleep . ''
Brooks has three daughters -- 1 , 2 and 8 -- and -a 13-year-old stepson , according to his attorneys .
Earlier in the day , Brooks was with his oldest daughter before a planned birthday party Saturday .
Another protester said : `` I thought Atlanta was higher than that .
I thought we was bigger than that .
I just want to make enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Besides setting the Wendy 's on fire , looters also raided a convenience store early Sunday .
Before 2 a.m. , police told protesters they must leave the area .
A high frequency sound was used to drive off the few people left in the intersection .
At least 36 people were arrested in conjunction with the unrest , an Atlanta Police spokesman told CNN .
This is the third weekend of demonstrations calling for police reform amid excessive force .
On May 25 , George Floyd died when Minneapolis officer officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly nine minutes .
Chauvin was subsequently fired and charged with second-degree murder .
Three other officers on the scene also lost their jobs and face felony charges .

June 14 (UPI) -- Authorities in Georgia ruled on Sunday the cause of Rayshard Brooks' death was homicide as fallout from his killing reached the top of the Atlanta Police Department.
Brooks, a 27-year-old black man, was killed Friday at around 10:30 p.m. in front of a Wendy's fast-food restaurant when a white police officer opened fire following a confrontation between the two.
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In response on Saturday, Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields resigned and protesters poured into the streets of Atlanta, shutting down all lanes of the southbound downtown connector at University Avenue and setting fire to the restaurant.
The Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office determined following an autopsy performed Sunday that Brooks died of two gunshot wounds to the back, resulting in organ damage and blood loss.
Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard said members of his staff witnessed Brooks' autopsy and that he intends to make a decision by midweek on whether to bring charges against the police officers involved in the shooting.
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"Because this is a homicide investigation, there are several technical requirements that must be met before we are able to reach a decision," Howard said in a statement. "That includes the confirmation of the ballistics involved and obtaining a preliminary report from the Medical Examiner."
Two witnesses to the shooting have been referred to the district attorney's office for questioning by a local attorney and Howard said a decision on charges will not be made before speaking with them.
His office was also having difficulty obtaining all bodycam and dashcam footage of the shooting from the Atlanta Police Department, he said.
"We are working around the clock to bring this investigation to a conclusion, and it is my hope to be able to announce our decision midweek," he said.
Garrett Rolfe, the police officer who shot Brooks and who had been with the department since October 2013, has been fired, Atlanta Police Spokesman Carlos Campos confirmed to WSB and WXIA-TV. The other officer on the scene, Devin Brosnan, who joined the department in September 2018, has been placed on administrative duty.
The roles of the officers during the incident were not given by the department.
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Video released Saturday afternoon by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation appears to show Brooks taking a Taser from an officer, running from police and then firing it at them. An officer then returns fire.
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms had recommended the firing of the officer who killed Brooks.
"While there may be a debate about whether this was an appropriate use of deadly force, I firmly believe there is a clear distinction between what you can do and what you should do," Bottoms said.
She also accepted Shields' resignation.
"Out of a deep and abiding love for this City and this department, I offered to step aside as police chief. APD has my full support, and Mayor Bottoms has my support on the future direction of this department," Shields said in a statement released Saturday night.
According to Bottoms, Shields will remain with the department and assistant chief Rodney Bryant will become the interim chief while the city searches for a replacement.
Howard told CNN that Brooks did "not seem to present any kind of threat to anyone, and so the fact that it would escalate to his death just seems unreasonable. If that shot was fired for some reason other than to save that officer's life or prevent injury to him or others, then that shooting is not justified under the law."
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On Friday night, officers responded to reports that a man was asleep at the wheel in the drive-thru of a Wendy's. Brooks failed a field sobriety test and told police he didn't have a weapon, according to the video. When the officers tried to take Brooks into custody, there was a struggle. Ultimately, he was shot.
Brooks died at Grady Memorial Hospital, according to the GBI.
"Y'all took him away from his wife and kids," a protester told WSB-TV. "That boy wasn't breaking no crime. He went to get something to eat and fell asleep."
Brooks has three daughters -- 1, 2 and 8 -- and -a 13-year-old stepson, according to his attorneys. Earlier in the day, Brooks was with his oldest daughter before a planned birthday party Saturday.
Another protester said: "I thought Atlanta was higher than that. I thought we was bigger than that. I just want to make enough noise that they investigate the situation."
Besides setting the Wendy's on fire, looters also raided a convenience store early Sunday.
Before 2 a.m., police told protesters they must leave the area. A high-frequency sound was used to drive off the few people left in the intersection.
At least 36 people were arrested in conjunction with the unrest, an Atlanta Police spokesman told CNN.
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This is the third weekend of demonstrations calling for police reform amid excessive force. On May 25, George Floyd died when Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. Chauvin was subsequently fired and charged with second-degree murder. Three other officers on the scene also lost their jobs and face felony charges.


upi--2020-06-15--U.S. sports commissioners to speak Monday on 'The Return of Sports'

June 15 ( UPI ) -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will join the NBA 's Adam Silver , MLB 's Rob Manfred and three other American professional sports league commissioners on The Return of Sports Monday on ESPN .
The two-hour discussion , which starts at 9 p.m. EDT , will be hosted by Mike Greenberg .
Commissioners Gary Bettman ( NHL ) , Cathy Engelbert ( WNBA ) and Don Garber ( MLS ) will join Goodell , Silver and Manfred to provide fans with insight about how players and workers will return to play amid the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social justice reform after the death of George Floyd .
ABC News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton , Baltimore Ravens star Calais Campbell , Portland Trailblazers guard Damian Lillard , Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane , U.S. soccer 's Crystal Dunn , WNBA star Brianna Turner , the Philadelphia Union 's Alejandro Bedoya , Los Angeles Angels manager Joe Maddon , WNBA star Chiney Ogwumike and ESPN 's Taylor Twellman will also be part of the broadcast .
`` We are living through unprecedented times in this nation and around the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with many of the most powerful people in the industry about the role sports can play in helping to bring about unity , healing and meaningful change , '' Greenberg said .
NASCAR , UFC and the PGA Tour are the only sports leagues in the United States that have returned to live events after suspensions due to the pandemic .
The NBA , MLS , NHL , WNBA and NWSL have plans for resumed seasons and/or tournaments this summer .
NFL teams have met virtually during off-season workouts and still are on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
MLB team owners and the players ' union are in negotiations to decide the format and player salary rates for a potential 2020 regular season .
Germany 's Bundesliga soccer league , Spain 's La Liga soccer league and professional baseball in South Korea have all resumed their seasons amid the pandemic .
Greenberg will anchor the show from ESPN 's studio in Bristol , Conn .
The guests will participate from remote locations .
`` Since sports came to a halt three months ago , we 've all been eagerly awaiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , fans will hear directly from commissioners , managers and athletes about the decisions they 've made and the challenges they 've faced throughout this unprecedented time , and what the resumption of sports will look like over the coming weeks and months , '' said Stephanie Druley , ESPN executive vice president of event and studio production .

The Return of Sports at 9 p.m. EDT Monday on ESPN. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (pictured), Gary Bettman (NHL), Cathy Engelbert (WNBA), Don Garber (MLS), Rob Manfred (MLB) and Adam Silver (NBA) will appear onat 9 p.m. EDT Monday on ESPN. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
June 15 (UPI) -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will join the NBA's Adam Silver, MLB's Rob Manfred and three other American professional sports league commissioners on The Return of Sports Monday on ESPN. The two-hour discussion, which starts at 9 p.m. EDT, will be hosted by Mike Greenberg. Commissioners Gary Bettman (NHL), Cathy Engelbert (WNBA) and Don Garber (MLS) will join Goodell, Silver and Manfred to provide fans with insight about how players and workers will return to play amid the coronavirus pandemic, economic issues the leagues face and social justice reform after the death of George Floyd. Advertisement
ABC News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton, Baltimore Ravens star Calais Campbell, Portland Trailblazers guard Damian Lillard, Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane, U.S. soccer's Crystal Dunn, WNBA star Brianna Turner, the Philadelphia Union's Alejandro Bedoya, Los Angeles Angels manager Joe Maddon, WNBA star Chiney Ogwumike and ESPN's Taylor Twellman will also be part of the broadcast.
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"We are living through unprecedented times in this nation and around the world, and I look forward to speaking with many of the most powerful people in the industry about the role sports can play in helping to bring about unity, healing and meaningful change," Greenberg said.
NASCAR, UFC and the PGA Tour are the only sports leagues in the United States that have returned to live events after suspensions due to the pandemic. The NBA, MLS, NHL, WNBA and NWSL have plans for resumed seasons and/or tournaments this summer. NFL teams have met virtually during off-season workouts and still are on track to start the pre-season in August. MLB team owners and the players' union are in negotiations to decide the format and player salary rates for a potential 2020 regular season.
Germany's Bundesliga soccer league, Spain's La Liga soccer league and professional baseball in South Korea have all resumed their seasons amid the pandemic.
Greenberg will anchor the show from ESPN's studio in Bristol, Conn. The guests will participate from remote locations.
"Since sports came to a halt three months ago, we've all been eagerly awaiting their return. In this SportsCenter special, fans will hear directly from commissioners, managers and athletes about the decisions they've made and the challenges they've faced throughout this unprecedented time, and what the resumption of sports will look like over the coming weeks and months," said Stephanie Druley, ESPN executive vice president of event and studio production.


upi--2020-06-15--Racism is the greatest threat to democracy today

June 15 ( UPI ) -- Ahmaud Arbery .
Breonna Taylor .
George Floyd .
All names you have heard in the past month .
All Americans who deserve to live and breathe the values America was founded on .
All human beings deserving the basic and common courtesies we publicly and externally promote .
Unfortunately , they were not afforded the privileges that are extended to the average white American .
If you question that assertion , you likely have the privilege of never having to live your life in constant fear of how others react to you and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life instantly .
You have the privilege of firmly believing the police force is present to serve and protect you .
You have the privilege of being an individual -- with your actions not prejudged by negative racial stereotypes and you not being seen as representative of your entire race .
We are all patriots .
We are all committed to vigorously supporting America and prepared to defend our democracy against its enemies and detractors .
Right now , democracy 's most formidable enemies and detractors are internal -- people , policies and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to democracy today .
It is time to live up to our patriotic beliefs and put in the work needed to make America a place where all people are equal .
As a white person , you can be unaware of the racist origins of the American police force .
You can ignore the media proactively painting black people as demonic , super-human , menacing , `` more mature , '' lazy and less deserving of compassion and empathy .
You do n't get to experience the systems and the networks that exclude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of American prosperity .
You can be unaware of the laws and institutions that have forced generations of servitude , poverty , inequality and despair .
You can be blissfully unaware of white Americans breaking every treaty they signed with American Indians , Mexicans and Africans in the pursuit of Manifest Destiny .
You can ignore the sadness and sorrow of the genocides -- local and global -- executed in your name .
You can wrap yourself in the flag and recite the talking points that make you feel good about yourself and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And you can live each day blissfully unaware that a chance encounter may be your last .
What about the American dream for the Indians slaughtered for the land we walk on ?
What about the American dream for the black slaves that were beaten and brutalized to make your money and deliver your creature comforts ?
What about the American dream for the Asian immigrants you imprisoned , stole from and demonized ?
What about the American dream for Latin Americans you put in cages , dehumanize and subject to human trafficking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ values .
The Declaration of Independence declares : `` We hold these truths to be self-evident : that all men are created equal , that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights , that among these are life , liberty and the pursuit of happiness . ''
The schizophrenia and hypocrisy of the American experiment rests in the series of lies that we learn as history , which have been embedded into the fabric of everyday life through laws and systems .
It is clear that views of equality in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ white men .
It is clear that Indians and the enslaved were `` othered '' and denied those three unalienable rights .
But , approaching 250 years later , the idea of America and the reality of America are still miles apart .
It is time to address this original sin .
It was easy -- and remains so -- for our government to count a slave as three-fifths of a man , deny veterans ' benefits to black and brown soldiers , create Jim Crow laws , institutionalize redlining and incentivize the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of white ones .
Now it is squarely the responsibility of white people to collaborate with minority groups to transform the current state of affairs into equitable systems , policies and networks that finally live up to our founding principles .
Those in power are the ones who need to affect change .
The powerless can initiate , ignite and press for change , but the powerful control the levers of the system .
As an American , you owe this to every single `` other '' -- in other words , not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and do better , to finally create a more perfect union .
The system is not broken .
It was designed this way .
For decades , many black and brown people have raised their voices about the oppression they experience .
Many of them have mobilized , identified the ideas that need work and provided recommendations on what needs to be done .
How do you help ?
How do you stop America from devolving into one of the nations that it routinely destabilizes ?
How do you create a better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their kids ?
First , you must believe and defend your black friends and colleagues .
Silence means you are on the side of the oppressor .
March toward your path of being anti-racist .
In an ecosystem that has racism as a cornerstone , being non-racist is not enough .
You must speak up , stand up and risk something to keep this great representative democracy called America .
Second , you must overhaul the institutions that multiply and reinforce the racist ideals of our forebears .
It is time to overhaul @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the police system , the healthcare system , the prison system , the education system and the housing system -- for starters .
What steps can you take to make those systems anti-racist ?
Should asset forfeiture be examined ?
Should funding sources for the police be revamped ?
Should police unions be reformed ?
Should `` broken window '' policing be stamped out ?
Look deeply .
Pick your favorite issue in your favorite system or institution .
Third , focus on policy and policymakers .
It is time to elect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then write laws creating this equitable and just society we all deserve .
This applies to everyone -- whether white , black , brown or Asian .
It is time to mobilize to elect and create the country and society we all desire and deserve .
Tyrone Grandison is a member of the Seattle Human Rights Commission and board chairman of the Data-Driven institute , a nonprofit that promotes data science to solve public health problems .
This article originally appeared at The Fulcrum .

Demonstrators rally against racial injustice and in support of gay rights on Sunday in Los Angeles. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
June 15 (UPI) -- Ahmaud Arbery. Breonna Taylor. George Floyd. All names you have heard in the past month. All Americans who deserve to live and breathe the values America was founded on. All human beings deserving the basic and common courtesies we publicly and externally promote. Unfortunately, they were not afforded the privileges that are extended to the average white American. If you question that assertion, you likely have the privilege of never having to live your life in constant fear of how others react to you and what they may do to change your life instantly. You have the privilege of firmly believing the police force is present to serve and protect you. You have the privilege of being an individual -- with your actions not prejudged by negative racial stereotypes and you not being seen as representative of your entire race. Advertisement Advertisement
We are all patriots. We are all committed to vigorously supporting America and prepared to defend our democracy against its enemies and detractors. Right now, democracy's most formidable enemies and detractors are internal -- people, policies and systems. Racism is the greatest threat to democracy today. It is time to live up to our patriotic beliefs and put in the work needed to make America a place where all people are equal.
As a white person, you can be unaware of the racist origins of the American police force. You can ignore the media proactively painting black people as demonic, super-human, menacing, "more mature," lazy and less deserving of compassion and empathy. You don't get to experience the systems and the networks that exclude the very people who are a bedrock of American prosperity.
You can be unaware of the laws and institutions that have forced generations of servitude, poverty, inequality and despair. You can be blissfully unaware of white Americans breaking every treaty they signed with American Indians, Mexicans and Africans in the pursuit of Manifest Destiny. You can ignore the sadness and sorrow of the genocides -- local and global -- executed in your name. You can wrap yourself in the flag and recite the talking points that make you feel good about yourself and your fanciful role in the world.
Advertisement
And you can live each day blissfully unaware that a chance encounter may be your last.
What about the American dream for the Indians slaughtered for the land we walk on? What about the American dream for the black slaves that were beaten and brutalized to make your money and deliver your creature comforts? What about the American dream for the Asian immigrants you imprisoned, stole from and demonized? What about the American dream for Latin Americans you put in cages, dehumanize and subject to human trafficking and abuse?
Our country is our values. The Declaration of Independence declares: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
The schizophrenia and hypocrisy of the American experiment rests in the series of lies that we learn as history, which have been embedded into the fabric of everyday life through laws and systems.
It is clear that views of equality in 1776 were aspirational and applied only to white men. It is clear that Indians and the enslaved were "othered" and denied those three unalienable rights. But, approaching 250 years later, the idea of America and the reality of America are still miles apart.
Advertisement
It is time to address this original sin. It was easy -- and remains so -- for our government to count a slave as three-fifths of a man, deny veterans' benefits to black and brown soldiers, create Jim Crow laws, institutionalize redlining and incentivize the overseeing of black bodies but the protection of white ones. Now it is squarely the responsibility of white people to collaborate with minority groups to transform the current state of affairs into equitable systems, policies and networks that finally live up to our founding principles.
Those in power are the ones who need to affect change. The powerless can initiate, ignite and press for change, but the powerful control the levers of the system.
As an American, you owe this to every single "other" -- in other words, not a white person -- to be better, and do better, to finally create a more perfect union.
The system is not broken. It was designed this way. For decades, many black and brown people have raised their voices about the oppression they experience. Many of them have mobilized, identified the ideas that need work and provided recommendations on what needs to be done.
How do you help? How do you stop America from devolving into one of the nations that it routinely destabilizes? How do you create a better world for you and your kids and their kids?
Advertisement
First, you must believe and defend your black friends and colleagues. Silence means you are on the side of the oppressor. March toward your path of being anti-racist. In an ecosystem that has racism as a cornerstone, being non-racist is not enough. You must speak up, stand up and risk something to keep this great representative democracy called America.
Second, you must overhaul the institutions that multiply and reinforce the racist ideals of our forebears. It is time to overhaul the justice system, the financial system, the police system, the healthcare system, the prison system, the education system and the housing system -- for starters. What steps can you take to make those systems anti-racist? Should asset forfeiture be examined? Should funding sources for the police be revamped? Should police unions be reformed? Should "broken window" policing be stamped out? Look deeply. Pick your favorite issue in your favorite system or institution.
Third, focus on policy and policymakers. It is time to elect officials who align with our principles and then write laws creating this equitable and just society we all deserve. This applies to everyone -- whether white, black, brown or Asian.
It is time to mobilize to elect and create the country and society we all desire and deserve.
Advertisement
Tyrone Grandison is a member of the Seattle Human Rights Commission and board chairman of the Data-Driven institute, a nonprofit that promotes data science to solve public health problems. This article originally appeared at The Fulcrum.


upi--2020-06-15--U.N. Human Rights Council resumes Geneva session after 3 months

June 15 ( UPI ) -- The United Nations Human Rights Council resumed its session on Monday , three months after it was interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic .
The 43rd session , which will run through Friday , is being held at United Nations headquarters in Geneva .
Since the HRC session was suspended on March 13 , the council has since staged several virtual discussions , including one in April focused on the COVID-19 crisis on human rights .
Monday , the council was scheduled to debate `` human rights bodies and mechanisms '' and consider reports by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and rights in `` other occupied Arab territories . ''
The renewed session and discussion of Palestinian human rights comes amid plans by Israel to annex parts of the West Bank , which have been condemned by Palestinian leaders .
Wednesday and Thursday , the council will hold discussions on a U.N. plan of action to combat racism , discrimination , xenophobia and other forms of intolerance worldwide .
The council said it will also stage talks on human rights challenges in Ukraine , Libya , Afghanistan and Mali , and high-level dialogue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Democratic Republic of the Congo .
The OHCHR said this month about 1,300 civilian Congolese have died in the past eight months due to attacks by government and opposition forces .
That report cited violence in the Congolese provinces of Ituri , North Kivu and South Kivu , where armed groups and government forces have been accused of war crimes and other violations .
Thursday and Friday , the council will act on decisions and resolutions and conclude the 43rd session .
The 44th session , originally scheduled to begin Monday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June 22 .
The 45th session is scheduled for September .

June 15 (UPI) -- After resuming its 43rd session that was interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic three months ago, the United Nations Human Rights Council on Monday agreed to an unscheduled debate on racial inequality in the United States.
The council agreed to the unscheduled debate after receiving a letter last week from several African nations. Burkina Faso diplomat Dieudonne Desire Sougouri, coordinator of the African Group, formally made the request Monday.
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"The death of George Floyd is unfortunately not an isolated incident," the letter read. "The numbers of previous cases of unarmed people of African descent who met the same fate because of uncontrolled police violence are legion."
The debate is scheduled for Wednesday.
The council had been scheduled Monday to debate "human rights bodies and mechanisms" and consider reports by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres about Palestinian human rights and rights in "other occupied Arab territories."
The renewed session and discussion of Palestinian human rights comes amid plans by Israel to annex parts of the West Bank, which have been condemned by Palestinian leaders.
Wednesday and Thursday, the council will hold discussions on a U.N. plan of action to combat racism, discrimination, xenophobia and other forms of intolerance worldwide.
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The council said it will also stage talks on human rights challenges in Ukraine, Libya, Afghanistan and Mali, and high-level dialogue on rights in the Central African Republic and Democratic Republic of the Congo. The OHCHR said this month about 1,300 civilian Congolese have died in the past eight months due to attacks by government and opposition forces.
That report cited violence in the Congolese provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, where armed groups and government forces have been accused of war crimes and other violations.
Thursday and Friday, the council will act on decisions and resolutions and conclude the 43rd session. The 44th session, originally scheduled to begin Monday, will instead open a week later on June 22. The 45th session is scheduled for September.
Protesters demand justice in police killing of George Floyd


upi--2020-06-15--MLB, Turner Sports agree to billion-dollar TV deal

June 15 ( UPI ) -- Major League Baseball has agreed to a billion-dollar broadcast deal with Turner Sports for the rights to air playoff games .
Sources informed ESPN and the New York Post of the agreement over the weekend .
The pact comes as the 2020 MLB season remains suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Turner aired the entire 2019 National League playoffs on TBS .
The network will continue to have broadcast rights for a league championship series and regular-season and post-season clashes .
The regular-season games air on Sunday afternoons .
MLB team owners and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to start a 2020 season after the league suspended play during spring training because of the pandemic .
The two parties have exchanged proposals but have yet to agree on prorated player compensation or the number of games the abbreviated regular season will include .
MLB players and the union responded to the news of the deal on social media , amid the stalemate in negotiations .
`` It 's now become apparent that [ the players ' ] efforts have fallen upon deaf ears , '' MLB Players Association Executive Director Tony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , owners have decried the supposed unprofitability of owning a baseball team and the commissioner has repeatedly threatened to schedule a dramatically shortened season unless players agree to hundreds of millions in further concessions .
Our response has been consistent that such concessions are unwarranted , would be fundamentally unfair to players and that our sport deserves the fullest 2020 season possible .
These remain our positions today , particularly in light of new reports regarding MLB 's national television rights -- information we requested from the league weeks ago but were never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it unfortunately appears that further dialogue with the league would be futile .
It 's time to get back to work .
Tell us when and where . ''
Turner 's contract with MLB was scheduled to end after the 2021 season before the new pact .
MLB also has a long-term broadcast contract with Fox for the other league championship series and the World Series .

Turner Sports aired the 2019 National League Division Series between the Houston Astros and Tampa Bay Rays and will continue to air post-season games, along with Fox Sports, after a new deal with Major League Baseball. File Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License Photo
June 15 (UPI) -- Major League Baseball has agreed to a billion-dollar broadcast deal with Turner Sports for the rights to air playoff games. Sources informed ESPN and the New York Post of the agreement over the weekend. The pact comes as the 2020 MLB season remains suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. Advertisement
Turner aired the entire 2019 National League playoffs on TBS. The network will continue to have broadcast rights for a league championship series and regular-season and post-season clashes. The regular-season games air on Sunday afternoons.
MLB team owners and the players' union are in talks to start a 2020 season after the league suspended play during spring training because of the pandemic. The two parties have exchanged proposals but have yet to agree on prorated player compensation or the number of games the abbreviated regular season will include.
MLB players and the union responded to the news of the deal on social media, amid the stalemate in negotiations.
"It's now become apparent that [the players'] efforts have fallen upon deaf ears," MLB Players Association Executive Director Tony Clark said. "In recent days, owners have decried the supposed unprofitability of owning a baseball team and the commissioner has repeatedly threatened to schedule a dramatically shortened season unless players agree to hundreds of millions in further concessions. Our response has been consistent that such concessions are unwarranted, would be fundamentally unfair to players and that our sport deserves the fullest 2020 season possible. These remain our positions today, particularly in light of new reports regarding MLB's national television rights -- information we requested from the league weeks ago but were never provided.
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"As a result, it unfortunately appears that further dialogue with the league would be futile. It's time to get back to work. Tell us when and where."
Turner's contract with MLB was scheduled to end after the 2021 season before the new pact. MLB also has a long-term broadcast contract with Fox for the other league championship series and the World Series.


upi--2020-06-15--Ohio State football players, parents signed COVID-19 risk waiver

June 15 ( UPI ) -- Ohio State football players and their parents were asked to sign an acknowledgement of risk waiver for COVID-19 before the Buckeyes returned to voluntary workouts on the Columbus , Ohio , campus .
The Columbus Dispatch obtained the two-page document .
Ohio State Athletic Director Gene Smith told ESPN the school does n't `` look at [ the waiver ] as a legal document . ''
All players have signed the waiver .
Parents or legal guardians signed the waiver for incoming freshman yet to turn 18 years old .
Players returned to campus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It 's a Buckeye pledge , '' Smith said .
`` Allow us to help you so that if we face a situation , our trainers , our strength coaches , our coaches or any athletic administrator sees a student-athlete not wearing a mask or not social distancing , we can say , 'Hey , you made a commitment .
You signed a pledge .
Your parents signed a pledge .
Your parents are a part of this . '
'' Players agreed to be tested and potential self quarantine , have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exposure in a timely manner and to practice Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines , when they signed the pledge .
Failure to comply with the pledge could lead to removal of athletic participation privilege or inability to use athletic facilities , but will not result in a lost scholarship .
Smith got the idea for the pledge from Indiana Athletic Director Fred Glass during a weekly conference call with other athletic directors from the Big Ten .
The waiver states that those who sign it `` understand COVID-19 is a highly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ develop and contract the COVID-19 disease , even if [ they ] follow all of the safety precautions above and those recommended by the CDC , local health department , and others . ''
Buckeyes football players are allowed to use the Woody Hayes Athletic Center and Schumaker Complex .
Basketball players will resume workouts this week at the Schottenstein Center .

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields (C) and his teammates were allowed to return to campus June 8 for voluntary workouts. File Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo
June 15 (UPI) -- Ohio State football players and their parents were asked to sign an acknowledgement of risk waiver for COVID-19 before the Buckeyes returned to voluntary workouts on the Columbus, Ohio, campus. The Columbus Dispatch obtained the two-page document. Ohio State Athletic Director Gene Smith told ESPN the school doesn't "look at [the waiver] as a legal document." Advertisement
All players have signed the waiver. Parents or legal guardians signed the waiver for incoming freshman yet to turn 18 years old. Players returned to campus June 8 for the voluntary workouts.
"It's a Buckeye pledge," Smith said. "Allow us to help you so that if we face a situation, our trainers, our strength coaches, our coaches or any athletic administrator sees a student-athlete not wearing a mask or not social distancing, we can say, 'Hey, you made a commitment. You signed a pledge. Your parents signed a pledge. Your parents are a part of this.'"
Players agreed to be tested and potential self quarantine, have their symptoms monitored, to report potential exposure in a timely manner and to practice Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, when they signed the pledge. Failure to comply with the pledge could lead to removal of athletic participation privilege or inability to use athletic facilities, but will not result in a lost scholarship.
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Smith got the idea for the pledge from Indiana Athletic Director Fred Glass during a weekly conference call with other athletic directors from the Big Ten.
The waiver states that those who sign it "understand COVID-19 is a highly contagious virus and it is possible to develop and contract the COVID-19 disease, even if [they] follow all of the safety precautions above and those recommended by the CDC, local health department, and others."
Buckeyes football players are allowed to use the Woody Hayes Athletic Center and Schumaker Complex. Basketball players will resume workouts this week at the Schottenstein Center.


upi--2020-06-15--European nations relax coronavirus-related border restrictions

June 15 ( UPI ) -- France , Germany and other European nations on Monday lifted coronavirus-related border restrictions as they near the peak summer travel season .
Travelers from all EU states plus Andorra , Iceland , Liechtenstein , Monaco , Norway , San Marino , Switzerland and Vatican City can now enter France without any forms of quarantine at the border .
Visitors from Spain and Britain , however , must first self-isolate for 14 days -- a response by Paris to similar quarantine rules in Spain and Britain for French travelers .
In Germany , officials relaxed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU , Britain , Switzerland , Norway , Iceland and Liechtenstein .
The Federal Foreign Office rescinded a warning against non-essential travel to 27 European countries , including popular holiday destinations like Italy , Greece and Croatia .
A warning against travel to Spain , another popular destination for Germans , remains intact .
Last month , Berlin partially reopened its borders with neighboring Austria , Switzerland and France .
Croatia , the Czech Republic , Denmark , Finland , Greece , Iceland , Norway , Slovenia and Switzerland also instituted varying degrees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months of restrictions .
As EU nations step up plans to reopen internal borders , the European Commission has also urged them to stage a coordinated reopening for external borders beyond the Schengen visa-free zone starting July 1 .
France has indicated it will do so , saying it will ease restrictions on a case-by-case basis depending on health criteria .

Vehicles queue to cross the border into Germany at a checkpoint in Froeslev, Denmark, on Monday after the border was reopened for the first time since March due to the COVID-19 crisis. Photo by Claus Fisker/EPA-EFE
June 15 (UPI) -- France, Germany and other European nations on Monday lifted coronavirus-related border restrictions as they near the peak summer travel season. Travelers from all EU states plus Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland and Vatican City can now enter France without any forms of quarantine at the border. Advertisement
Visitors from Spain and Britain, however, must first self-isolate for 14 days -- a response by Paris to similar quarantine rules in Spain and Britain for French travelers.
In Germany, officials relaxed border restrictions Monday for travelers from the EU, Britain, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. The Federal Foreign Office rescinded a warning against non-essential travel to 27 European countries, including popular holiday destinations like Italy, Greece and Croatia.
A warning against travel to Spain, another popular destination for Germans, remains intact.
Last month, Berlin partially reopened its borders with neighboring Austria, Switzerland and France.
Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Norway, Slovenia and Switzerland also instituted varying degrees of relaxed border controls Monday after three months of restrictions.
As EU nations step up plans to reopen internal borders, the European Commission has also urged them to stage a coordinated reopening for external borders beyond the Schengen visa-free zone starting July 1.
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France has indicated it will do so, saying it will ease restrictions on a case-by-case basis depending on health criteria.


upi--2020-06-15--WWE Backlash: Edge battles Randy Orton, Drew McIntyre defends against Bobby Lashley

June 15 ( UPI ) -- Hall of Famer Edge and Randy Orton collided in the main event of WWE Backlash .
The match , on Sunday , was enhanced with unique camera angles and crowd noise added in .
Edge and Orton were introduced by the voice of the late Howard Finkel and referee Charles Robinson wore an old-school uniform .
WWE has been promoting the bout to be the greatest wrestling match ever .
The Rated-R Superstar and The Viper had a highly-competitive contest that paid homage to professional wrestling legends .
Orton , during the match , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Three Amigos before Edge blocked it and performed the move himself .
Orton also used Kurt Angle 's Olympic Slam and Triple H 's Pedigree while Edge performed The Unprettier from his friend Christian and the Rock Bottom from Dwayne 'The Rock ' Johnson .
Edge was able to survive Orton 's RKO and appeared poised to win after hitting two Spears in a row , but , Orton still would n't go down .
Orton would later unleash The Punt , a rare attack he only uses to injure others .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the head before covering him for the three count .
Orton could be heard telling Edge to go back home to his family .
WWE Champion Drew McIntyre defended his title against Bobby Lashley who came to the ring with his manager , MVP .
MVP , before the bell rang , distracted McIntyre which allowed Lashley to sneak up behind the champ and lock in the Full Nelson submission hold .
McIntyre was in bad shape before the match officially began .
Lashley continued to be in control for a majority of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counter McIntyre 's Claymore into a Spear .
Lashley 's wife Lana , who has felt replaced by MVP , came out and started distracting the referee .
McIntyre knocked Lashley into Lana which sent her crashing onto MVP .
McIntyre then nailed Lashley with a Claymore to win the match and remain WWE Champion .
Raw Women 's Champion Asuka defended her title against Nia Jax in a hard-hitting match .
Asuka attempted to target Jax 's arm with a number of submission holds but Jax was always able to escape using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tomorrow was able to lock in an Armbar outside the ring , which led to a brawl .
Jax and Asuka were both eventually counted out by the referee , however , leading to a draw .
Asuka remains the Raw Women 's Champion .
Universal Champion Braun Strowman defended his title against both The Miz and John Morrison in a Handicap match .
The Miz and Morrison were informed beforehand that they could not be co-Universal Champions and that whoever scored the pinfall or submission , would be given the title .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a team , bringing the Monster Among Men down to his knees .
Morrison helped Miz perform a modified Skull-Crushing Finale and then went to pin Strowman .
The Miz stopped his friend from winning the match , however , but then apologized .
Strowman was able to recover and he quickly took The A-Lister out with a Chokeslam .
Strowman then unleashed a Running Powerslam onto Morrison to earn the three count .
Other moments from Backlash included United States Champion Apollo Crews successfully defending his title against Andrade ; Women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ successfully defending their titles against The IIconics and Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross ; Sheamus defeating Jeff Hardy ; and Raw Tag Team Champions The Street Profits and The Viking Raiders having a cinematic brawl that ended with the two teams joining forces to take on a group of ninjas .

June 15 (UPI) -- Hall of Famer Edge and Randy Orton collided in the main event of WWE Backlash.
The match, on Sunday, was enhanced with unique camera angles and crowd noise added in. Edge and Orton were introduced by the voice of the late Howard Finkel and referee Charles Robinson wore an old-school uniform.
Advertisement
WWE has been promoting the bout to be the greatest wrestling match ever.
The Rated-R Superstar and The Viper had a highly-competitive contest that paid homage to professional wrestling legends. Orton, during the match, attempted to use the late Eddie Guerrero's Three Amigos before Edge blocked it and performed the move himself.
Orton also used Kurt Angle's Olympic Slam and Triple H's Pedigree while Edge performed The Unprettier from his friend Christian and the Rock Bottom from Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson.
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Edge was able to survive Orton's RKO and appeared poised to win after hitting two Spears in a row, but, Orton still wouldn't go down. Orton would later unleash The Punt, a rare attack he only uses to injure others.
Orton was able to kick Edge in the head before covering him for the three count. Orton could be heard telling Edge to go back home to his family.
WWE Champion Drew McIntyre defended his title against Bobby Lashley who came to the ring with his manager, MVP.
MVP, before the bell rang, distracted McIntyre which allowed Lashley to sneak up behind the champ and lock in the Full Nelson submission hold.
McIntyre was in bad shape before the match officially began. Lashley continued to be in control for a majority of the match and was even able to counter McIntyre's Claymore into a Spear.
Lashley's wife Lana, who has felt replaced by MVP, came out and started distracting the referee. McIntyre knocked Lashley into Lana which sent her crashing onto MVP. McIntyre then nailed Lashley with a Claymore to win the match and remain WWE Champion.
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Raw Women's Champion Asuka defended her title against Nia Jax in a hard-hitting match.
Asuka attempted to target Jax's arm with a number of submission holds but Jax was always able to escape using her superior strength.
The Empress of Tomorrow was able to lock in an Armbar outside the ring, which led to a brawl. Jax and Asuka were both eventually counted out by the referee, however, leading to a draw. Asuka remains the Raw Women's Champion.
Universal Champion Braun Strowman defended his title against both The Miz and John Morrison in a Handicap match. The Miz and Morrison were informed beforehand that they could not be co-Universal Champions and that whoever scored the pinfall or submission, would be given the title.
The Miz and Morrison worked well together as a team, bringing the Monster Among Men down to his knees.
Morrison helped Miz perform a modified Skull-Crushing Finale and then went to pin Strowman. The Miz stopped his friend from winning the match, however, but then apologized.
Strowman was able to recover and he quickly took The A-Lister out with a Chokeslam. Strowman then unleashed a Running Powerslam onto Morrison to earn the three count.
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Other moments from Backlash included United States Champion Apollo Crews successfully defending his title against Andrade; Women's Tag Champions Sasha Banks and Bayley successfully defending their titles against The IIconics and Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross; Sheamus defeating Jeff Hardy; and Raw Tag Team Champions The Street Profits and The Viking Raiders having a cinematic brawl that ended with the two teams joining forces to take on a group of ninjas.


upi--2020-06-15--Ex-Jets QB Hackenberg to attempt baseball career

June 15 ( UPI ) -- Former New York Jets quarterback Christian Hackenberg was once a second-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft .
Now he wants to attempt to make a Major League Baseball roster .
Hackenberg told NBC 10 Philadelphia he plans to abandon his NFL career so he can play baseball .
The 25-year-old Penn State product will attempt the comeback as a pitcher .
Hackenberg , who throws with his right hand , has a 92-mph fastball .
`` I feel like I 've got a lot left in the tank , '' Hackenberg said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I have the opportunity to open another one , why not do it ? ''
Hackenberg played football , basketball and baseball at Fork Union ( Va. ) Military Academy before he starred for the Nittany Lions .
He joined the Jets as the No .
51 overall player in the 2016 NFL Draft .
The Jets traded Hackenberg to the Oakland Raiders in 2018 .
He was released before the 2018 season .
Hackenberg also spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles and Cincinnati Bengals but never appeared in an NFL regular-season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Alliance of American Football before the new league disbanded in April 2019 .
He has since trained with Rutgers-Camden baseball coach Ryan Kulik to prepare for a career on the diamond .
`` Do I think he could pitch in the big leagues one day ?
I really do , '' Kulik told the New York Post .
`` Because he is just scratching the surface with what we 're doing now , and I 'm already seeing results and improvement .
`` If he continues to do this for another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ca n't be 95-plus .
He wants it . ''
Hackenberg could be on a similar path to that of former Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow .
Tebow , 32 , was a first-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft before he joined the New York Mets organization .
The former Heisman Trophy winner has worked his way up to the Triple-A level and has yet to make his MLB debut .
Both of their goals to reach the big leagues are shelved at the moment , as the MLB season remains suspended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to be canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic .
`` It 's like , as simple as I can put it , I just want to compete , '' Hackenberg said .

Former New York Jets quarterback Christian Hackenberg has trained this off-season for a baseball career after a brief stint in the now-defunct Alliance of American Football league. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
June 15 (UPI) -- Former New York Jets quarterback Christian Hackenberg was once a second-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Now he wants to attempt to make a Major League Baseball roster. Hackenberg told NBC 10 Philadelphia he plans to abandon his NFL career so he can play baseball. The 25-year-old Penn State product will attempt the comeback as a pitcher. Hackenberg, who throws with his right hand, has a 92-mph fastball. Advertisement
"I feel like I've got a lot left in the tank," Hackenberg said. "And if one door closes, and I have the opportunity to open another one, why not do it?"
Hackenberg played football, basketball and baseball at Fork Union (Va.) Military Academy before he starred for the Nittany Lions. He joined the Jets as the No. 51 overall player in the 2016 NFL Draft. The Jets traded Hackenberg to the Oakland Raiders in 2018. He was released before the 2018 season. Hackenberg also spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles and Cincinnati Bengals but never appeared in an NFL regular-season game.
Advertisement Christian Hackenberg is now trying to become a pitcher "I've had my trials and tribulations with the NFL" "I'm sitting here at 25. I feel like I have a lot left in the tank"@rkuestnernbc10 with the story. See how fast @chackenberg1 can throw @NBCPhiladelphia 620pm pic.twitter.com/eVFBECPjEi— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) June 13, 2020
Hackenberg spent a brief time in the Alliance of American Football before the new league disbanded in April 2019. He has since trained with Rutgers-Camden baseball coach Ryan Kulik to prepare for a career on the diamond.
"Do I think he could pitch in the big leagues one day? I really do," Kulik told the New York Post. "Because he is just scratching the surface with what we're doing now, and I'm already seeing results and improvement.
"If he continues to do this for another year, there's no reason he can't be 95-plus. He wants it."
Hackenberg could be on a similar path to that of former Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow. Tebow, 32, was a first-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft before he joined the New York Mets organization. The former Heisman Trophy winner has worked his way up to the Triple-A level and has yet to make his MLB debut.
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Both of their goals to reach the big leagues are shelved at the moment, as the MLB season remains suspended and the Minor League Baseball season is expected to be canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"It's like, as simple as I can put it, I just want to compete," Hackenberg said.


upi--2020-06-15--Trump administration proposes more restrictions on asylum

June 15 ( UPI ) -- A series of changes proposed by the Trump administration to restrict immigration and make it more difficult for migrants to receive asylum in the United States were posted to the Federal Register on Monday to begin a public comment period .
The 161-page notice of proposed rulemaking from the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security would grant additional powers to deny requests for asylum and other protections .
The changes were proposed by the administration last week and are part of President Donald Trump 's efforts to restrict immigration into the United States .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ opens a 30-day comment period before the changes take effect .
The new rules would give law enforcement officers and judges more power to deny asylum claims due to forms of persecution including gender-based violence , gang threats and torture at the hands of rogue government officials .
The changes also allow immigration judges to dismiss cases without a hearing if there is n't sufficient supporting evidence for an application .
Another proposed change would subject a migrant 's asylum claim to greater scrutiny if they traveled through at least one country en @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an existing `` safe third country '' rule that took effect a year ago .
It requires migrants traveling through a third-party nation to first apply for protection there .
In many cases involving Central American migrants , that country would be Mexico .
`` The failure to seek asylum or refugee protection in at least one country through which an alien transited while en route to the United States may reflect an increased likelihood that the alien is misusing the asylum system as a mechanism to enter and remain in the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the draft rule states .
The proposal also states that living unlawfully in the United States for at least a year prior to applying for asylum would become a `` significant adverse factor '' in the application process .
Failing to file a tax return or having a criminal conviction -- even those that are ultimately reversed , vacated or expunged -- would be detrimental to a migrant 's asylum prospects under the new rules .
The changes would also alter the definition of persecution to represent `` an extreme concept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and would exclude `` every instance of harm that arises generally out of civil , criminal , or military strife in a country '' as well as `` any and all treatment that the United States regards as unfair , offensive , unjust , or even unlawful or unconstitutional . ''
The changes also define when an application is `` frivolous '' and redefine the terms `` particular social group , '' `` political opinion , '' `` persecution '' and `` firm resettlement . ''
They also change the burden of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` significant possibility '' to a `` reasonable possibility '' of harm in their native countries .
The Departments of Justice and Homeland Security said the changes `` more effectively separate baseless claims from meritorious ones . ''
`` This would better ensure groundless claims do not delay or divert resources from deserving claims , '' they said in a joint statement .
Every year , tens of thousands of migrants worldwide seek asylum to escape violence and persecution in their native countries .
Narrowing the U.S. process means the federal government would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have condemned the proposed changes and others say it could entirely end the U.S. asylum system .
Aaron Reichlin-Melnick , policy counsel at the American Immigration Council , said there are two main changes with the new rules .
`` Individuals who seek protection at the border who pass the first stage of the asylum process would no longer be put into full immigration court proceedings .
Instead , they would only be given access to narrower 'asylum-only ' court proceedings , '' he wrote in a blog post last week .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were eligible for another form of relief than asylum , they would not be allowed to apply for it .
`` Second , the new rules would permit judges to deny asylum applications without a hearing .
Currently , asylum applicants must be permitted to testify about their case .
But under the new rules , judges could declare that an applicant had n't put enough evidence in the application itself and deny a person their day in court .
This change would be particularly harmful for those without lawyers .
`` Should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would represent the end of the asylum system as we know it . ''
Sarah Pierce , a policy analyst at the Migration Policy Institute , says if the changes are adopted they would result in denials for many legitimate asylum-seekers seeking protection in the United States .
`` There are so many provisions in here that make it impossible for even the most meritorious asylum-seekers to get through the U.S. asylum process , '' she said .
After the 30-day comment period , the government must consider the public comments and prepare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can take months -- and become subject to any number of lawsuits -- the rule is n't expected to take effect until this fall , at the soonest .

Migrants wait to get processed for their departure from a migrant shelter in Matamoros, Mexico on January 25, 2019. Some critics say proposed changes by the Trump administration, which begin a month-long comment period Monday, would effectively end asylum in the United States. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
June 15 (UPI) -- A series of changes proposed by the Trump administration to restrict immigration and make it more difficult for migrants to receive asylum in the United States were posted to the Federal Register on Monday to begin a public comment period. The 161-page notice of proposed rulemaking from the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security would grant additional powers to deny requests for asylum and other protections. Advertisement
The changes were proposed by the administration last week and are part of President Donald Trump's efforts to restrict immigration into the United States. Their publishing Monday in the Federal Register opens a 30-day comment period before the changes take effect.
The new rules would give law enforcement officers and judges more power to deny asylum claims due to forms of persecution including gender-based violence, gang threats and torture at the hands of rogue government officials.
Advertisement
The changes also allow immigration judges to dismiss cases without a hearing if there isn't sufficient supporting evidence for an application.
Another proposed change would subject a migrant's asylum claim to greater scrutiny if they traveled through at least one country en route to the United States, expanding an existing "safe third country" rule that took effect a year ago. It requires migrants traveling through a third-party nation to first apply for protection there. In many cases involving Central American migrants, that country would be Mexico.
"The failure to seek asylum or refugee protection in at least one country through which an alien transited while en route to the United States may reflect an increased likelihood that the alien is misusing the asylum system as a mechanism to enter and remain in the United States rather than legitimately seeking urgent protection," the draft rule states.
The proposal also states that living unlawfully in the United States for at least a year prior to applying for asylum would become a "significant adverse factor" in the application process. Failing to file a tax return or having a criminal conviction -- even those that are ultimately reversed, vacated or expunged -- would be detrimental to a migrant's asylum prospects under the new rules.
Advertisement
The changes would also alter the definition of persecution to represent "an extreme concept of a severe level of harm," and would exclude "every instance of harm that arises generally out of civil, criminal, or military strife in a country" as well as "any and all treatment that the United States regards as unfair, offensive, unjust, or even unlawful or unconstitutional."
The changes also define when an application is "frivolous" and redefine the terms "particular social group," "political opinion," "persecution" and "firm resettlement." They also change the burden of proof in asylum cases from showing a "significant possibility" to a "reasonable possibility" of harm in their native countries.
The Departments of Justice and Homeland Security said the changes "more effectively separate baseless claims from meritorious ones."
"This would better ensure groundless claims do not delay or divert resources from deserving claims," they said in a joint statement.
Every year, tens of thousands of migrants worldwide seek asylum to escape violence and persecution in their native countries. Narrowing the U.S. process means the federal government would turn away more applicants.
Some critics have condemned the proposed changes and others say it could entirely end the U.S. asylum system.
Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, policy counsel at the American Immigration Council, said there are two main changes with the new rules.
Advertisement
"Individuals who seek protection at the border who pass the first stage of the asylum process would no longer be put into full immigration court proceedings. Instead, they would only be given access to narrower 'asylum-only' court proceedings," he wrote in a blog post last week. "In these proceedings, even if they were eligible for another form of relief than asylum, they would not be allowed to apply for it.
"Second, the new rules would permit judges to deny asylum applications without a hearing. Currently, asylum applicants must be permitted to testify about their case. But under the new rules, judges could declare that an applicant hadn't put enough evidence in the application itself and deny a person their day in court. This change would be particularly harmful for those without lawyers.
"Should the rules go into effect, they would represent the end of the asylum system as we know it."
Sarah Pierce, a policy analyst at the Migration Policy Institute, says if the changes are adopted they would result in denials for many legitimate asylum-seekers seeking protection in the United States.
"There are so many provisions in here that make it impossible for even the most meritorious asylum-seekers to get through the U.S. asylum process," she said.
Advertisement
After the 30-day comment period, the government must consider the public comments and prepare a final rule. Because the process can take months -- and become subject to any number of lawsuits -- the rule isn't expected to take effect until this fall, at the soonest.
Migrants in Mexico: Journey to the U.S. border


upi--2020-06-15--South Korea city hall employees encroached on LGBT rights, report says

June 15 ( UPI ) -- An independent civil rights committee with the city of Seoul says in a new report city hall employees violated the human rights of sexual minorities in 2019 , according to a South Korean press report .
Local newspaper JoongAng Ilbo reported Monday a 2019 petition signed by 17 Seoul city employees opposing the use of Seoul Plaza during an annual Queer Culture Festival was found to have infringed on the rights of the lesbian , gay , bisexual and transgender population .
In the annual report on protecting the rights of Seoul residents released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ petition was used to `` damage the character and dignity of sexual minorities . ''
Words that `` expressed discrimination and hate '' were used to single out LGBT individuals , the report said .
`` The relevant government officials did not oppose the event because it was related to sexual minorities , but rather opposed it because it was an 'obscene ' event , '' the city report said , referring to `` arbitrary '' descriptions used in the petition .
The city 's evaluation suggested the petition had the potential to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LGBT population .
`` As a result , the general public is highly likely to perceive sexual minority groups are obscene , which may lead to discrimination or hate against sexual minorities . ''
South Korea 's civil and human rights committee also said there were a total of 29 cases of rights violations among city hall workers , including eight recorded cases of workplace sexual harassment and one case that encroached on religious freedoms .
Parts of the annual Queer Culture Festival began to be held in central Seoul in recent years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diplomat to Seoul attended pride month events in Seoul Plaza and expressed support for the advancement of LGBT rights .
South Korean newspaper Kyunghyang Shinmun reported earlier this month the U.S. Embassy in Seoul unfurled a massive rainbow flag of gay pride to show support for pride month in June .
The U.S. Embassy has also raised a `` Black Lives Matter '' banner in support of recent protests .

Employees of Seoul city hall in South Korea infringed on the civil rights of LGBT individuals, the city said Monday. File Photo by Yonhap/EPA-EFE
June 15 (UPI) -- An independent civil rights committee with the city of Seoul says in a new report city hall employees violated the human rights of sexual minorities in 2019, according to a South Korean press report. Local newspaper JoongAng Ilbo reported Monday a 2019 petition signed by 17 Seoul city employees opposing the use of Seoul Plaza during an annual Queer Culture Festival was found to have infringed on the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender population. Advertisement
In the annual report on protecting the rights of Seoul residents released on Monday, city hall said the petition was used to "damage the character and dignity of sexual minorities."
Words that "expressed discrimination and hate" were used to single out LGBT individuals, the report said.
"The relevant government officials did not oppose the event because it was related to sexual minorities, but rather opposed it because it was an 'obscene' event," the city report said, referring to "arbitrary" descriptions used in the petition.
The city's evaluation suggested the petition had the potential to influence public opinion of South Korea's LGBT population.
"As a result, the general public is highly likely to perceive sexual minority groups are obscene, which may lead to discrimination or hate against sexual minorities."
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South Korea's civil and human rights committee also said there were a total of 29 cases of rights violations among city hall workers, including eight recorded cases of workplace sexual harassment and one case that encroached on religious freedoms.
Parts of the annual Queer Culture Festival began to be held in central Seoul in recent years.
In 2015, the top U.S. diplomat to Seoul attended pride month events in Seoul Plaza and expressed support for the advancement of LGBT rights.
South Korean newspaper Kyunghyang Shinmun reported earlier this month the U.S. Embassy in Seoul unfurled a massive rainbow flag of gay pride to show support for pride month in June.
The U.S. Embassy has also raised a "Black Lives Matter" banner in support of recent protests.


upi--2020-06-15--Russian court sentences ex-U.S. Marine Paul Whelan to 16 years for espionage

June 15 ( UPI ) -- A Russian court on Monday convicted former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan of espionage and sentenced him to 16 years in prison , a decision that is expected to inflame simmering tensions between the Kremlin and Washington .
Whelan , 50 , was arrested in December 2018 while in Moscow for a wedding in possession of a flash drive that allegedly contained Russian state secrets .
The former U.S. Marine who also holds British , Canadian and Irish passports has denied the allegations , and after the verdict was announced accused the trial of being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brother David said in a statement released immediately after the verdict was announced that they expect Paul 's defense to file an appeal .
`` It was the Russian legal system that was found guilty of injustice .
The court 's decision merely completes the final piece of this broken judicial process .
We had hoped that the court might show some independence but , in the end , Russian judges are political , not legal , entities , '' David said in his family 's statement .
Rebecca Ross , the spokesperson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Whelan was convicted and sentenced during a secret trial that began in March during which no evidence was produced and that it was `` an egregious violation of human rights and international legal norms . ''
`` The United States demands that U.S. citizen [ Paul Whelan ] be released immediately , '' Ross quoted U.S .
Ambassador John Sullivan as having said .
`` His conviction is a mockery of Justice .
The world is watching . ''
In the days leading up to the verdict 's announcement , Sullivan had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ross quoting him on Twitter as having called the trial neither transparent nor fair .
Outside of courthouse on Monday , Sullivan said he was `` disappointed and outraged '' by the decision but was not surprised .
`` This is not going to have a good impact on our relationship , '' he said .
The relationship between the Kremlin and Washington has been tense for years but has ratcheted up following U.S. allegations that Russia meddled in the 2016 presidential election .
Last week , U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ telling reporters in a press briefing that Sullivan and his team `` will keep fighting '' for his release .
Late last month , the United State 's top diplomat said Whelan was being denied necessary medical treatment .
The ruling states Whelan will serve his term at a high-security correctional facility , state-run TASS Russian News Agency reported .

U.S. citizen Paul Whelan holds up a sign denouncing the legal proceedings against him as he stands inside the defendant's cage before hearing the verdict of his espionage trial at the Moscow City Court on Monday. Photo by Uri Kochetkov/EPA-EFE
June 15 (UPI) -- A Russian court on Monday convicted former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan of espionage and sentenced him to 16 years in prison, a decision that is expected to inflame simmering tensions between the Kremlin and Washington. Whelan, 50, was arrested in December 2018 while in Moscow for a wedding in possession of a flash drive that allegedly contained Russian state secrets. Advertisement
The former U.S. Marine, who also holds British, Canadian and Irish passports, has denied the allegations. After the verdict was announced, he called the trial "political theater."
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo demanded Whelan's "immediate release" and said the United States was "outraged" by his conviction, stating he was deprived of a fair trial guaranteed to him by Russia's international human rights obligations.
"The treatment of Paul Whelan at the hands of Russian authorities has been appalling," Pompeo said in a strongly worded statement. "Russia failed to provide Mr. Whelan with a fair hearing before an independent and impartial tribunal; and during his detention has put his life at risk by ignoring his long-standing medical condiction; and unconscionably kept him isolated from family and friends."
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Whelan's brother David Whelan said in a statement released immediately after the verdict was announced that they expect Paul's defense to file an appeal.
"It was the Russian legal system that was found guilty of injustice. The court's decision merely completes the final piece of this broken judicial process. We had hoped that the court might show some independence but, in the end, Russian judges are political, not legal, entities," he said.
Rebecca Ross, spokeswoman for the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, said Paul Whelan was convicted and sentenced during a secret trial that began in March during which no evidence was produced. She called it "an egregious violation of human rights and international legal norms."
"The United States demands that U.S. citizen [Paul Whelan] be released immediately," Ross quoted U.S. Ambassador John Sullivan as having said. "His conviction is a mockery of justice. The world is watching."
In the days leading up to the verdict's announcement, Sullivan had leveled criticism at the court, with Ross quoting him on Twitter as having called the trial neither transparent nor fair.
Outside courthouse on Monday, Sullivan said he was "disappointed and outraged" by the decision but was not surprised.
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"This is not going to have a good impact on our relationship," he said.
The relationship between the Kremlin and Washington has been tense for years but has deteriorated following U.S. allegations that Russia meddled in the 2016 presidential election.
Last week, Pompeo called on Russia to release Paul Whelan, telling reporters in a press briefing that Sullivan and his team "will keep fighting" for his release.
Late last month, the United States' top diplomat said Paul Whelan was being denied necessary medical treatment.
"We demand Paul's release," he tweeted.
The ruling states Paul Whelan will serve his term at a high-security correctional facility, state-run TASS Russian News Agency reported.


upi--2020-06-15--Breakthrough needed on North Korea, South’s leader says

June 15 ( UPI ) -- South Korea 's president called for an inter-Korea breakthrough while voicing `` disappointment '' on the lack of progress in relations .
President Moon Jae-in said at a meeting of his senior aides on Monday , the 20th anniversary of a historic agreement , the time has come for the two Koreas to come together `` in search of a breakthrough , '' local news service News 1 reported .
`` As the proprietors of the fate of the Korean Peninsula , I hope that the North and South will arrive at self-made decisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Korean leader said .
Moon 's comments come after Kim Jong Un 's sister , senior North Korean official Kim Yo Jong , slammed the South in a string of messages that included threats to turn the inter-Korea liaison office in the North into a `` tragic scene . ''
`` By exercising my power authorized by the supreme leader , our party and the state , I gave an instruction to the arms of the department in charge of the affairs with [ the ] enemy to decisively carry out the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to KCNA .
On Monday Moon did not directly address Kim 's statements .
Kim Jong Un wants to cooperate with the South , he said .
`` I am well aware of Kim Jong Un 's determination and efforts to make a breakthrough , regarding the situation on the Korean Peninsula , '' Moon said , referring to past summits .
In 2018 , the two leaders signed declarations that were touted as first steps toward peace and reconciliation .
The South Korean president added the situation on the peninsula @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cite reasons for tensions .
`` I am also very disappointed that the progress of North-South relations has not progressed as expected , '' Moon said .
South Korea 's opposition conservatives told reporters on Monday the Moon administration 's plans for North Korea are falling short of its goals , Yonhap reported .
`` North Korea had expected the South to play a role in resolving [ the North 's ] difficult economic situation in recent years , but when the South could not implement due to various restrictions of the international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said Kim Chong-in , chairman of the emergency committee of the United Future Party .

South Korean President Moon Jae-in (L) and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met in April 2018. Moon said Monday Kim has sought cooperation with South Korea, days after Kim's sister, Kim Yo Jong, threatened the South. File Photo by Inter-Korean Summit Press Corps/UPI | License Photo
June 15 (UPI) -- South Korea's president called for an inter-Korea breakthrough while voicing "disappointment" on the lack of progress in relations. President Moon Jae-in said at a meeting of his senior aides on Monday, the 20th anniversary of a historic agreement, the time has come for the two Koreas to come together "in search of a breakthrough," local news service News 1 reported. Advertisement
"As the proprietors of the fate of the Korean Peninsula, I hope that the North and South will arrive at self-made decisions and actively pursue projects," the South Korean leader said.
Moon's comments come after Kim Jong Un's sister, senior North Korean official Kim Yo Jong, slammed the South in a string of messages that included threats to turn the inter-Korea liaison office in the North into a "tragic scene."
"By exercising my power authorized by the supreme leader, our party and the state, I gave an instruction to the arms of the department in charge of the affairs with [the] enemy to decisively carry out the next action," Kim had said, according to KCNA.
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On Monday Moon did not directly address Kim's statements. Kim Jong Un wants to cooperate with the South, he said.
"I am well aware of Kim Jong Un's determination and efforts to make a breakthrough, regarding the situation on the Korean Peninsula," Moon said, referring to past summits.
In 2018, the two leaders signed declarations that were touted as first steps toward peace and reconciliation.
The South Korean president added the situation on the peninsula was not ideal, but did not cite reasons for tensions.
"I am also very disappointed that the progress of North-South relations has not progressed as expected," Moon said.
South Korea's opposition conservatives told reporters on Monday the Moon administration's plans for North Korea are falling short of its goals, Yonhap reported.
"North Korea had expected the South to play a role in resolving [the North's] difficult economic situation in recent years, but when the South could not implement due to various restrictions of the international community, it assumed a threatening position," said Kim Chong-in, chairman of the emergency committee of the United Future Party.


upi--2020-06-15--Autopsy: Brooks died of two gunshot wounds in the back

June 14 ( UPI ) -- Authorities in Georgia ruled on Sunday the cause of Rayshard Brooks ' death was homicide as fallout from his killing reached the top of the Atlanta Police Department .
Brooks , a 27-year-old black man , was killed Friday at around 10:30 p.m. in front of a Wendy 's fast-food restaurant when a white police officer opened fire following a confrontation between the two .
In response on Saturday , Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields resigned and protesters poured into the streets of Atlanta , shutting down all lanes of the southbound downtown connector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the restaurant .
The Fulton County Medical Examiner 's Office determined following an autopsy performed Sunday that Brooks died of two gunshot wounds to the back , resulting in organ damage and blood loss .
Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard said members of his staff witnessed Brooks ' autopsy and that he intends to make a decision by midweek on whether to bring charges against the police officers involved in the shooting .
`` Because this is a homicide investigation , there are several technical requirements that must be met before we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Howard said in a statement .
`` That includes the confirmation of the ballistics involved and obtaining a preliminary report from the Medical Examiner . ''
Two witnesses to the shooting have been referred to the district attorney 's office for questioning by a local attorney and Howard said a decision on charges will not be made before speaking with them .
His office was also having difficulty obtaining all bodycam and dashcam footage of the shooting from the Atlanta Police Department , he said .
`` We are working around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conclusion , and it is my hope to be able to announce our decision midweek , '' he said .
Garrett Rolfe , the police officer who shot Brooks and who had been with the department since October 2013 , has been fired , Atlanta Police Spokesman Carlos Campos confirmed to WSB and WXIA-TV .
The other officer on the scene , Devin Brosnan , who joined the department in September 2018 , has been placed on administrative duty .
The roles of the officers during the incident were not given by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Georgia Bureau of Investigation appears to show Brooks taking a Taser from an officer , running from police and then firing it at them .
An officer then returns fire .
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms had recommended the firing of the officer who killed Brooks .
`` While there may be a debate about whether this was an appropriate use of deadly force , I firmly believe there is a clear distinction between what you can do and what you should do , '' Bottoms said .
`` Out of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and this department , I offered to step aside as police chief .
APD has my full support , and Mayor Bottoms has my support on the future direction of this department , '' Shields said in a statement released Saturday night .
According to Bottoms , Shields will remain with the department and assistant chief Rodney Bryant will become the interim chief while the city searches for a replacement .
Howard told CNN that Brooks did `` not seem to present any kind of threat to anyone , and so the fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just seems unreasonable .
If that shot was fired for some reason other than to save that officer 's life or prevent injury to him or others , then that shooting is not justified under the law . ''
On Friday night , officers responded to reports that a man was asleep at the wheel in the drive-thru of a Wendy 's .
Brooks failed a field sobriety test and told police he did n't have a weapon , according to the video .
When the officers tried to take Brooks into custody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he was shot .
Brooks died at Grady Memorial Hospital , according to the GBI .
`` Y'all took him away from his wife and kids , '' a protester told WSB-TV .
`` That boy was n't breaking no crime .
He went to get something to eat and fell asleep . ''
Brooks has three daughters -- 1 , 2 and 8 -- and -a 13-year-old stepson , according to his attorneys .
Earlier in the day , Brooks was with his oldest daughter before a planned birthday party Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought Atlanta was higher than that .
I thought we was bigger than that .
I just want to make enough noise that they investigate the situation . ''
Besides setting the Wendy 's on fire , looters also raided a convenience store early Sunday .
Before 2 a.m. , police told protesters they must leave the area .
A high-frequency sound was used to drive off the few people left in the intersection .
At least 36 people were arrested in conjunction with the unrest , an Atlanta Police spokesman told CNN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonstrations calling for police reform amid excessive force .
On May 25 , George Floyd died when Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes .
Chauvin was subsequently fired and charged with second-degree murder .
Three other officers on the scene also lost their jobs and face felony charges .


upi--2020-06-15--Turkey attacks Kurdish targets in Iraq

Turkey attacks Kurdish targets in Iraq

June 15 ( UPI ) -- Turkish warplanes struck dozens of Kurdish targets in northern Iraq out of self-defense , Turkey 's National Defense Ministry said Monday .
`` Operation Claw-Eagle has started , '' it announced via twitter .
`` Our planes are bringing the caves down on the terrorists ' heads . ''
Eight-one targets consisting of shelters and caves of the Kurdistan Workers ' Party , known as the PKK , were destroyed , it tweeted , and all aircraft returned unharmed to their bases .
The ministry said the attacks were conducted to ensure the security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempts by the PKK and other `` terrorist elements '' to attack police stations and military bases in the region .
`` In line with our legitimate self-defense rights arising from international law , air operations were carried out in terrorist slots '' in several areas in northern Iraq , it said .
Jets , unmanned aerial vehicles and refueling aircraft participated in the operation , Turkey 's state-run Anadolu Agency reported .
The number of casualties , if any , was not reported .
Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar , Chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other top officials oversaw the operation , the ministry said in a statement .
The PKK , which has been designated a terrorist organization by several countries , including the United States , first picked up arms against Turkey in 1984 when it initiated its separatist movement .

The Turkish military on Monday launched Operation Claw-Eagle targeting Kurdish forces in northern Iraq. Photo courtesy of the Republic of Turkey Ministry of National Defense/ Website
June 15 (UPI) -- Turkish warplanes struck dozens of Kurdish targets in northern Iraq out of self-defense, Turkey's National Defense Ministry said Monday. "Operation Claw-Eagle has started," it announced via twitter. "Our planes are bringing the caves down on the terrorists' heads." Advertisement
Eight-one targets consisting of shelters and caves of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, known as the PKK, were destroyed, it tweeted, and all aircraft returned unharmed to their bases.
The ministry said the attacks were conducted to ensure the security of its citizens and borders amid increased attempts by the PKK and other "terrorist elements" to attack police stations and military bases in the region.
"In line with our legitimate self-defense rights arising from international law, air operations were carried out in terrorist slots" in several areas in northern Iraq, it said.
Jets, unmanned aerial vehicles and refueling aircraft participated in the operation, Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency reported.
The number of casualties, if any, was not reported.
Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar, Chief of General Staff Gen. Yasar Guler and other top officials oversaw the operation, the ministry said in a statement.
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The PKK, which has been designated a terrorist organization by several countries, including the United States, first picked up arms against Turkey in 1984 when it initiated its separatist movement.


upi--2020-06-15--South Korea says Japanese exhibit 'distorts' historical facts

June 15 ( UPI ) -- South Korea expressed regret and summoned the top Japanese diplomat to Seoul over information omission regarding Korean wartime laborers .
Seoul foreign ministry spokesman Kim In-cheol said Monday South Korea objects to the concealment of colonial-era wartime labor and their exploitation by Japanese authorities , South Korean news services Money Today and Tongil News reported .
`` The [ South Korean ] government strongly protests the contents of an exhibition made available to the public at the Industrial Heritage Information Center [ in Japan ] on Monday , which fails to honor the recommendations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the follow-up measures promised by Japan , following the registration of Japan 's early modern industrial facilities with the committee in July 2015 , '' the ministry said in statement .
According to Seoul , the Japanese pledged to apply `` concrete follow-up measures '' to implement the recommendations of the World Heritage Committee .
Japan recognized that many Koreans were mobilized into the war effort against their intentions , and toiled under harsh conditions , the foreign ministry said Monday .
`` We find it deeply regrettable content that completely distorts historical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Seoul said .
South Korea 's complaint comes after the Japanese center opened a new exhibit on sites of Japan 's Meiji Industrial Revolution on Monday .
Japan received a UNESCO endorsement for 23 major industrial sites built in the late 19th to early 20th centuries .
In 2015 , Seoul said Japan forced nearly 60,000 Koreans to work in slave labor conditions at 11 of the sites .
One of the sites , Hashima or `` Battleship '' Island , was a notorious site before and during wartime .
In 2017 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the island became a box-office hit and garnered local movie awards .
In 2015 Japan agreed to include the use of forced labor in the explanation of facilities .
Earlier this month a South Korean court began a procedure that could lead to the liquidation of seized South Korea-based Japanese corporate assets .

South Korea summoned the Japanese ambassador to Seoul over a wartime labor dispute on Monday. Hashima or “Battleship” Island in Japan, was a site for Korean and Chinese forced labor during wartime. File Photo by Yonhap/EPA
June 15 (UPI) -- South Korea expressed regret and summoned the top Japanese diplomat to Seoul over information omission regarding Korean wartime laborers. Seoul foreign ministry spokesman Kim In-cheol said Monday South Korea objects to the concealment of colonial-era wartime labor and their exploitation by Japanese authorities, South Korean news services Money Today and Tongil News reported. Advertisement
"The [South Korean] government strongly protests the contents of an exhibition made available to the public at the Industrial Heritage Information Center [in Japan] on Monday, which fails to honor the recommendations of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee and the follow-up measures promised by Japan, following the registration of Japan's early modern industrial facilities with the committee in July 2015," the ministry said in statement.
According to Seoul, the Japanese pledged to apply "concrete follow-up measures" to implement the recommendations of the World Heritage Committee. Japan recognized that many Koreans were mobilized into the war effort against their intentions, and toiled under harsh conditions, the foreign ministry said Monday.
"We find it deeply regrettable content that completely distorts historical facts" is on display in Japan, Seoul said.
South Korea's complaint comes after the Japanese center opened a new exhibit on sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution on Monday.
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Japan received a UNESCO endorsement for 23 major industrial sites built in the late 19th to early 20th centuries. In 2015, Seoul said Japan forced nearly 60,000 Koreans to work in slave labor conditions at 11 of the sites.
One of the sites, Hashima or "Battleship" Island, was a notorious site before and during wartime. In 2017, a South Korean action film about the island became a box-office hit and garnered local movie awards.
In 2015 Japan agreed to include the use of forced labor in the explanation of facilities.
Earlier this month a South Korean court began a procedure that could lead to the liquidation of seized South Korea-based Japanese corporate assets.


upi--2020-06-15--Famous birthdays for June 15: Leah Remini, Helen Hunt

June 15 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Gemini .
-- Prince @ @ @ @ @ of Edward III and known as the `` Black Prince , '' in 1330

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Leah Remini arrives on the red carpet at the premiere of "Second Act" at Regal Union Square Theatre on December 12, 2018, in New York City. The actor turns 50 on June 15. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
June 15 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Gemini. They include: Advertisement
-- Prince Edward of England, son of Edward III and known as the "Black Prince," in 1330
-- Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg in 1843
-- Artist Saul Steinberg in 1914
-- Pianist Erroll Garner in 1923
-- New York Gov. Mario Cuomo in 1932
-- Country singer Waylon Jennings in 1937
-- Baseball Hall of Fame member Billy Williams in 1938 (age 82)
File Photo by Brian Kersey/UPI
-- Singer/songwriter Harry Nilsson in 1941
-- Indian businessman Lakshmi Mittal in 1950 (age 70)
-- Actor Jim Varney in 1949
-- Chinese President Xi Jinping in 1953 (age 67)
-- Actor Jim Belushi in 1954 (age 66)
-- Actor Julie Hagerty in 1955 (age 65)
-- Baseball Hall of Fame member Wade Boggs in 1958 (age 62)
-- Actor Helen Hunt in 1963 (age 57)
File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
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-- Actor Courteney Cox in 1964 (age 56)
-- Actor/rapper Ice Cube born O'Shea Jackson, in 1969 (age 51)
-- Actor Leah Remini in 1970 (age 50)
-- Actor Neil Patrick Harris in 1973 (age 47)
-- Actor Elizabeth Reaser in 1975 (age 45)
-- Actor Sterling Jerins in 2004 (age 16)