>> this is dw news. the united states prepares to mark independence day as the coronavirus caseload sores. many americans plan to stay home, but many want to celebrate without restrictions on their freedom to have fun. two former leaders of amnesty international in turkey are sentenced to jail on tariff charges. we will hear from an activist whose arrests sparked -- german lawmakers back plans to phase out cold piles, but

activists say 18 years is too long to wait. the mysterious case of botswana's elephants. investigation is underway -- an investigation is underway to the cause of death for hundreds of animals. ♪ >> i'm phil gayle. we start in the u.s. with the run-up to the fourth of july independence day weekend has seen a record number of new coronavirus infections. 55,000 on thursday. here is a look at data showing the daily tally of new cases every day from the beginning of the u.s. outbreak. rising steadily, the curve flattened at the end of april to mid june. but as lockdown restrictions eased, new infections have shut up again.

startling statistics means this weekend's for the july celebrations are being pushed back as experts want to push back public and private gatherings. we go to ocean city, maryland to gauge the mode. >> for many americans, this is the first time out since the lockdown. they want to celebrate this fourth of july weekend as they normally do. >> i wouould like t to do the fireworks, and continue normality as much as we can. >> i think if you take the right precautions, there is nothing to be scared of. >> they don't want you to enjoy yourself. but you have how many thousands in a protest. >> how to deal with this is highly politicized. some feel the restrictions are taking away their personal freedom any others are seeing that it is a responsible action. >> because it is terse season in

maryland, fourth of july, these cases will come back's people do not socially distance or where their masks -- or way to their masks -- socially distance, or wear their masks. i think president trumbull continue to believe -- trump will continue to believe it is a hoax. >> this lack of guidance grades a dilemma -- guidance creates a dilemma. brenda runs a bar and grill. >> we want them to wear a mask would if they don't wear a mask, we cannot tell them because it is their right to wear a mask or not. i don't feel safe with them not wearing a mask. that is where -- that is why i wear my mask. i would rather them weaear a ma. if they could make it a law we would have to wear them for our safety a and health, you should make itt where you get find $500

if you don't wear a mask. >> the united states are facing a record covid-19 infections. you would not know here at the boardwalk. the majority of the people are not wearing a mask. they tell us, we are here to we want to celebrate. we are done with this virus. business owners obviously have a different approach. they feel that after the weekend, they will face a new wave, which will lead to a new lockdown, and that will bring them to their knees. >> in two weeks time, we will know if the right steps word taken if people celebrated this unprecedented fourth of july in the responsible way, or the worst fears of the next wave will come true. >> that's look at this with william, a professor at the vanderbilt school of medicine. he joins us from nashville in the u.s.

welcome, professor. should americans sit this weekend's celebrations out? williamm? they shohould have fun, but they should go o out carefully rather than in a carerefree fashion. i ththink we need to wearar our masks, social-distancing, and avoid large groups. that run in bothers me a great deal. sounds like our last holiday, memorial day weekend, where many people when out in a very careless fashion, and we had many infections as a consequence. we will see what happens this year. i'm really worried however. i must say. phil: as the number of u.s. cases skyrocketed, the president says there is a rise of cases because our testing is so massive and so good, far bigger and better than any other country. this is great news, he said, but even better news is the death rate is down.

also younger people who get better much easier and faster. professor, just take us through some of those claims in terms of what you think? we will start with the idea that the numbers have skskyrocketed because the u.s. isis doing more tests. wiwilliam: we are dodoing more tests, and the m more you test, the more you will find, but there are many, many more people infected then we detect with a test. that is because we've opened up, and there has been a great spread of coronavirus. we have not been careful enough to not by y far. so i'm not persuaded by that. phil: and his view that it is because of younger people who get better much easier and faster, he thinks this is betttr news.. willlliam: w well, younger peopo have a a milder case, oftenen without symptoms or vary modest symptoms, but they arere

spreaders. they are contagious. they bring it home to their aunt susie who has diabetetes, and t their grandfatather tom who is ololder and has h heart diseaea. they get sick and they will be in the hospital. so the young people must cooperate with everyone else so they don't spread the virus. phil: ok. how was that the richest country in the world seems to be failing so badly and keeping people safe? do you see this as a failure of policy or political leadership, or isn't it just what happens when free people in a democracy are allowed to choose to ignore the health advice? willlliam: well, i it is a mix f evererything, but mostt importantly, wee don't havee a a national pololicy. anand the communications havaven chaotic.c. it is no wonderhat somome people don'n't wear m masks becausese e nationonal leaders, mamany of t, don't wewear m masks, so t thera great dealal of confususion. we have not had a coordinatated,

consistent, national plan. it is a great failure. phil: we thank you for joining us, professor. peta activisishave marked 25 years after the massacre of many men and boys. the pandemic limited the amount of annual participants that retraces the steps of survivors, described as a genocide. there remains a 24 resistance fighters have been welcomed home to algeria and masala military ceremony. the men were killed in the 19th century while fighting against -- the skulls have been captaining french museum. france has a new prime minister.

he is a center-right mayor responsible for coordinating the country's reopening strategy after the core virus -- after the virus lockdown. a court in turkey has opened a trial of 20 saudi nationals for their alleged roles in the killing of jamal khashoggigi murdered in the saudi cononsulae in istanbul three years ago. the defendants arare being tried in theirir absence. another cordon and stumble sentence the former leader of -- another court case in istanbul sentencing a former leader. it was a politically-motivated trial. the court sentenced three other turkish defenders. a german activist, who was one of those who escaped a jail sentence was arrested in

istanbul three years ago. let's go to istanbul where we join our correspondent, dorian jones. did today's case attract much attention? dorian: among human rights offenders, both local and international, yes, they were out in force and what is a pivotal case for human rights in turkey. along with critics of the government, but mainstream media , which is under control of the president erdogan and his government focused more on erdogan's speech, he made powerful statements and the jamal khashoggi case had a lot of attention. on social media, which many of the opposition do get their news, it was burning with outrage over the conviction, and they see this is another --

turkey shows parallel worlds exist. this case has further polarized the divide in turkey carries phil: critics said the case was politically motivated. seven of today's defendants walked free. what does this tell us? dorian: the government and since the judiciary -- the government insists there is a total judiciary. critics and observers make the point that erdogan and his government to appoint most of the judges in turkey. the judiciary is under the direct control of the government, but having said that, we have seen a number of key cases where judges have ruled against the government, but that has resulted in investigations of the judges, and even prosecution, so it is a difficult place judges face.

the release of seven could be another indication of the judges trying to possibly inflect some independence. phil: there were two foreign defendants amongst the 11. excuse me, 24 nationals amongst the defendants that were acquitted. there must be a suspicion that international pressure plate a party -- played a party? dorian: given the fact that the european union's levered over turkey's membership into turkey is over. there was little leverage that europe has over turkey, given the fact that turkey's position with migrants trying to entered -- trying to enter europe is a powerful position. turkey is loving the european union for turks to come into turkey, particularly from germany as that is the main provider it -- provider of tours.

that could be a gesture for german tourists to come to turkey. phil: dorian jones in istanbul. thank you for that. lawmakers here in germany have backed plans to phase out coal by 2038. the government is trying the end -- is trying to end the dependence on fossil fuels. experts say 18 years is too long a wait. >> the future without coal power. the message put out loud and clear by environmental activists, who raped it across the front of the german parliament -- who the raped it across the german parliament. they want the end of coal to happen sooner, to meet the targets set out in the paris climate agreements. >> we are protesting against the

coal lobby because it doesn't promote the coal phaseout because it leaves coal plants in grid. this coal law is an historical mistake that amounts the paris agreement and gives the companies billions in compensation without receiving anything in return. the law is the result of three years of consultation, process almost as laborious as abandoning coal itself. the aim? to reassure industry that it will still get reliable power, and at the same time to persuade people in the affected regions that after inevitable job losses, new opportututies willl emerge. more than 40 billion euros were earmarked for projects in neglglected corners s of the country, on top of compensation for coal plant operators. >> this really is an historic step. germany is one of the first

industrialized countries to end both coal and nuclear electricity generation at the same time. the way it was prepared by a commission, including many different groups and parts of society. this has now been turned into law, and that is a great success. >> with nuclear power production also set to be abandoned i-20 22, germany -- abandoned by 2022, germany hopes other countries may follow suit. phil: this new law provides support for the transition to renewable energy, and for workers in regions whose livelihoods are dependent on coal. dw spoke with an activist. why is she protesting against it? >> because to keep our climate goals and to be aligned with 1.5 degrees, we need to exit coal by 2030. for almost a decade longer, coal has been sustained through this law, and we are seeing also, an

coal exit is scientifically necessary, possible, and we can finance it. honestly, this law is more of a calling elongation law because coal is not earning very m much money in germany anymore. 90% of coal power plants cannot cover their cost last year. coal is not a huge part off the market in germany, and it is not a huge part of the energy market, so in the first quarter of this year, coal was only betweeeen 16% and 20% o of the energy mix, which makes it possible to phase it out quickly, and the number of drops depending on coal is under 30 thousand, so compared to what we can create in renewables, and and other places, it is not that big of a deal. phil: was helena marshall. germany takes on the european union rotating presidency for the next six months, angela merkel will be working closely with her former protege.

it is something of a first of two german women at the helm of the e.u. they have to make sure the other member states are on board with their agendas. >> chancellor angela merkel has commissioned her protege who know and trust each other, but is the rest of the e.u. ok with two germans at the top? >> the questionable presidents is a coincident that two very powerful driven women are at the top. you know each other very well. is that helpful or a hindrance with respect to the other 26, may be afraid of too much german? >> we are talking about two dedicated europeans. that is what is more important here. but of course, i cannot forget my german interests either. but i'm very pleased it is to.

germany, there had never been a female chancellor before me and in europe, there has never been a female commissioner president. in the past, two men has always managed this. now we two women have to handle it and i'm confident we can do it. >> the list of charges this long , combating the impact of the corona crisis tops the agenda for chancellor angela merkel. together with fridge president emmanuel macron, she will try to push throuough the e.u. recovery fund at a summit in two weeks time. a fund financed through shared borrowing. a majority of german voters support their chancellor and the plan, according to a recent poll, 59% of germans say they are in favor of the e.u. taking on debt to tackle the corona crisis. only 35% find the plan unacceptable. but the corona crisis is not the only topic on german's mines. 50% of germans think climate

protection should top the agenda during germany' you presidency. -- during germany's e.u. presidency. only 7% are still concerned with the block's future relations with the u.k. progress on determining those relations have been modest. officials say, during the corona crisis, the focus has shifted. as the chancellor's rise of the u.k. will lead the e.u. with no deal in december, the majority of germans say they want the remaining 27 e.u. states to move towards even more integration. phil: now to the philippines where the government is easing some coronavirus restrictions. all forms of public transport are allowed to operate again, including the famous -- >> on the streets of manila, the brightly colored bus jeep hybrids are back. but the notoriously packed vehicles have some new

restrictions. less than 10% of the country's theater back on the roads. commuters and drivers must wear face masks and a right or beenen slashed by half. the drivers say even with reduced passenger numbers, they are glad to be back at work. >> i'm very happy we are back on. this is our only source of income. our everyday expenses and children's school fees depend on our jobs as drivers. at nine peso's per ride, or lesson $.20, riders are happy for their return. >> travel costs are too high without these. our only alternative is taking a taxi or motorbike, which costs us 100 peso's one way when going to the grocery. we can saved much more now -- we

can save much more now. routes around the capital are limited as businesses and public transport are still under general community quarantine. new numbers from the filipino government show no lead 39,000 coronavirus cases with over 2400 deaths. right now, only 6000 jeeps are allowed on the road, but transportation officials say they are prepared for an increase if demand grows. barb: phil: a quick look at the other developments in the coronavirus pandemic. a government in japan says it will not be introduce a state of emergency, despite seeing the highest daily increase in covid-19 cases for two months. china has banned imports in several countries over the past month. researchers at the world health organization worn despite lower infection rates among young people, they are vulnerable to severe complications, especially

if they are -- some other news, the british prime minister boris johnson has set a list of 59 countries from which travelers can enter england from the 10th of july without having to go into quarantine. countries like the united states, sweden, and brazil are not on the list. officials entered the say four people have been killed and 180 injured in an explosion at a fireworks pot and factory. 190 workers were inside at the time. for the explosions have been hampering efforts to bring the fire under control. as people around the world grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, another species is being afflicted with its own sudden wave of unexplained deaths. authorities in botswana trying to work out where hundreds of elephants -- why hundreds of elephants have been found dead. there was no clear sign what is behind the deaths. you may find some images in this

report disturbing. >> the elephants are dying. hundreds of carcasses scattered across the beautiful landscape of botswana. the cause? still a mystery. it doesn't seem like they died at the hands of poachers. their valuable tasks have not been removed. the two likely explanations are poisoning or disease. several elephants were spotted by locals in the area looking disorienented, or had difficulty walking. > they would see more elepeps dead, and ones that w were illl. it seems like they are evenn dyining fairlrly -- >> there are more than 130,000 elephants in botswanaa.

to some, they have become pests withth the government seeing suh high numbers have led to conflict with humans as they eat former's crops. last year, they became targets again when authorities lifted a five year ban on elephant hunting, sparking outrage among conservationists worldwide. but today, authorities and conservatitionists alike are focusing o on the myststerious deaths.. ey are h hoping to fifind out wt is happenining so they can stop the elephants dying. phil: the german cup final takes place in berlin on saturday with labor faces munich. the game would normally bring thousands to the capital, but the pandemic means this year will be a subdued affair. >> b berlin's olympic stadiuium bereft of fans this year because of the pandemic.

the city itself will also be without the usual throngs of football fanatics. it is a bittersweet final for many, not least for the members of the only fan club in the german capital. they really miss an away game. if they y played in beberlin whh they seldom did, we weree always in the stadium. it is sad when you got the chance after 27 years to be in the final and to win e cup. leper kozan beat -- the striking stallworth hopes for an end for its ability too snatch second place in thee jaws -- from the jaws of first. >> we were always we were in the

final twicice. when you f factor in the lost league championship, we should've won more. the current team is desperate for a second german cup. the captain lefthat in no doubt. >> this year, we have a chance and the ambition. we will apprproach it hungrily tomorrow so we can finally bring a trophy back k to leverkusen again. at least there should be some atmosphere at the cup's presentation at the brand-new led light system makes its debut at the olympic stadium. phil: while festivals around the world are being canceled this year because of the pandemic, one of it in belgium has managed to find a workaround. the paradise city electronic music festival reinvented itself to adapt to physical distancing rules by putting partying people in small boats.

only 400 people allowed in when it would normally attract 10,000 every day. this is due w news. top story, the united states is prepared to mark its independence day is a number of coronavirus cases its new records. an expert told us american should be free to celebrate the fourth of july while observing public health precautions. this is due w news. i will be back in a moment with "the day." have a good day.

john kasich sex named france's new prime minister this is emmanuel maccoll seeks to take his presidency in a new direction ahead of the elections in twenty twenty to. pubs hairdressers and churches will be opening up for the first time in months over in england mandatory quarantines have been lifted for seventy three countries excluding the united states. as coronavirus restrictions are. a german official she's murder trial gets underway in turkey twenty saudi suspects going on trial in absentia including two former aides of the crown prince mohammed bin saan