Floyd’s murderer gets 22½ years
Derek Chauvin, the agent who killed George Floyd, was sentenced to 22 and a half years in prison, in a sentence that left many disappointed and embittered because they believed it too weak. USA Today confirms Floyd’s family and lawyers had asked for the maximum sentence, which is 30 years in prison. Before sentencing, Judge Peter Cahill clarified he had decided “not in the wake of emotions and sympathy but on facts”. After being silent for all six weeks of the trial, the former agent took the floor briefly and addressed Floyd’s family, presenting his condolences with a trembling voice. Dozens of people awaited the sentence outside the Minneapolis courthouse, waving a photo of George Floyd and yelling at the top of their lungs for Black Lives Matter. President Joe Biden said, “I am not aware of all the circumstances that have been considered but the ruling seems appropriate.”
Spain, Italy to receive most of EU rescue funds
Spain and Italy will receive almost half of the 750 billion Euros earmarked by Brussels to relaunch Europe’s economies that have been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic, funded through an unprecedented joint borrowing mechanism. AFP says Italy will receive just over 191 billion Euros in the form of grants and loans while Spain will get up to 140 billion. In Rome, analysts are confident the funds will be put to good use in the plan outlined by Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi whereas in Spain, the same issue raises many questions.
Putin-Xi video conference on Monday
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping will hold a video conference on Monday, June 28, on the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the Treaty of good neighborhood, friendship and cooperation. Interfax news agency reports “they will evaluate the state and development prospects of the strategic partnership between Russia and China. There are also plans to discuss current bilateral and international issues”.
Three dead in German knife attack
According to Bild, a man wielding a knife in the German city of Würzburg has killed three people and injured several others, five of whom were in serious condition. Videos on social media showed the man armed with a large knife being confronted and subdued by passers-by. The suspect, a man aged 24, was shot in the thigh before being arrested. Police said he had been violent and mentally unstable and had recently received psychiatric treatment.
Vatican investigates Polish clergy
The Vatican has set up a Commission to clarify the facts relating to abuse and pedophilia by the Polish clergy. Local press underline that the investigations on the case would also concern Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, the historical secretary of John Paul II. In a documentary film, which caused a sensation in Poland, the finger was also pointed at Dziwisz, accused by victims of having covered up some facts. However, it was Dziwisz himself who had invoked a commission that could shed light on the facts he always rejected as “slander”.
159 missing in Miami building collapse
Miami Herald reports the number of people listed as missing after the collapse of a 12-storey building in the US city of Miami has risen to 159. Four people are known to have died. The mayor of Miami-Dade says they “still have hope” of finding survivors. Search teams working round the clock have reported hearing people banging beneath the debris.
Denmark, Italy favourites to reach quarter-finals
The UEFA EURO 2020 knockout stages start this evening, with Wales facing Denmark (at 6 pm) and Italy taking on Austria (at 9 pm) for places in the last eight. Denmark are favourites. Group A winners Italy qualified with back-to-back 3-0 victories over Turkey and Switzerland before taking their winning streak to 11 games – all without conceding a goal – by edging Wales 1-0. They will expect nothing less than to maintain both runs at Wembley Stadium.
