Supreme Court Hears TikTok Case, Syrians Return Home, French Rape Trial Verdicts

Summary

Up First from NPR – December 19, 2024

NPR's "Up First" delivers the three biggest stories of the day with in-depth reporting and analysis. In this episode, hosts Steve Inskeep and Michelle Martin delve into pivotal developments including the Supreme Court's consideration of a TikTok ban, the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland, and the groundbreaking verdicts in a high-profile French rape trial.

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1. Supreme Court Reviews TikTok Ban

Overview: The episode opens with a significant legal battle as TikTok faces a potential nationwide ban in the United States. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case, determining TikTok's fate in the American market.

Key Points:

• Emergency Review: TikTok has requested an expedited review by the Supreme Court after losing in a lower appellate court. The high court has scheduled oral arguments within three weeks, highlighting the urgency and importance of the case (02:16).

• Legal Stakes: The core of the debate centers on balancing free speech rights against national security concerns. TikTok argues that the ban infringes upon the free speech rights of its 170 million American users and the company's own corporate speech rights. Conversely, U.S. officials contend that TikTok poses a potential threat due to its Chinese ownership by ByteDance, alleging data collection and propaganda risks (03:07, 03:10).

• Potential Outcomes: If the Supreme Court upholds the ban, TikTok could be removed from app stores and lose vital web hosting services by January 19, effectively crippling the platform in the U.S. However, overturning the law would allow TikTok to continue operations as usual (04:24).

• Political Context: The Trump administration's stance is ambiguous. While former President Donald Trump has previously attempted to ban TikTok without success, his current position appears wavering. Should the Court rule in favor of the ban, the administration would be responsible for its enforcement, adding another layer of complexity to the situation (05:16, 05:19).

Notable Quotes:

• Steve Inskeep: "TikTok's American future is now up to the Supreme Court." 00:02
• Michelle Martin: "TikTok and the Department of Justice are heading to the Supreme Court." 02:12

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2. Syrian Refugees Begin Returning Home

Overview: With the fall of Bashar Al Assad's regime, thousands of Syrian refugees are eager to return to their homeland after nearly a decade in makeshift camps along the Jordanian border.

Key Points:

• Return to Syria: Approximately 7,000 Syrian refugees have resided in the Rukban camp for nine years. The collapse of Assad's regime has opened the door for their return, although challenges such as limited financial resources and uncertain living conditions persist (00:21, 06:13).

• On-the-Ground Reporting: NPR's Jane Araf provides a vivid account from Damascus, describing the palpable changes in the city and the broader country. She recounts scenes of families traveling home, including a poignant story of a mother reuniting with her children after 13 years (06:32, 06:37).

• Ongoing Conflicts: Despite the regime's fall, conflict remains in Syria. Jane highlights tensions between U.S.-backed Kurdish forces and Turkish-backed factions, particularly around the Euphrates River. Recent breaches of ceasefire agreements signal that peace in Syria is still fragile (08:18, 08:28, 09:47).

• Humanitarian Impact: The return of refugees is bittersweet, marked by joy from reuniting with loved ones and the trauma of past abuses. The lack of infrastructure and economic stability poses significant hurdles for those returning (06:25).

Notable Quotes:

• Jane Araf: "But for the people who are able to reunite with their families, all of that time makes it somewhat sweeter." 06:37
• Jane Araf: "No conflict's still simmering it seems like." 09:49

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3. Verdicts in French Rape Trial Spark Global Conversations

Overview: A landmark rape trial in southern France concluded with verdicts that have not only shocked the nation but also ignited discussions worldwide about gender violence and societal norms.

Key Points:

• Trial Details: Fifty-one men stood trial for the systematic rape of Giselle Pellico, a woman who was drugged and unconscious, orchestrated by her husband over a span of ten years. The sentencing ranged up to 20 years for Pellico's husband and varied sentences for the accomplices, reflecting the severity and individualized circumstances of each case (10:10, 10:39).

• Public Reaction: The trial has stirred significant emotional responses. Supporters of Pellico displayed banners and placards, while some convicted individuals and their families expressed anger outside the courthouse. The high security underscores the trial's unprecedented nature in France (10:39, 10:27, 11:39).

• Cultural Impact: This case has sparked a nationwide dialogue in France about patriarchal structures and the prevalence of violence against women. Activists view the verdicts as a wake-up call, potentially leading to better education, stricter law enforcement, and a shift in societal attitudes towards gender-based violence (12:24, 12:33).

• Victim's Role: Giselle Pellico, the survivor, is hailed as a hero for her courage in making the trial public and challenging societal norms. Her decision to forego anonymity has amplified the conversation around victimization and accountability (13:15, 13:20, 13:38).

Notable Quotes:

• Eleanor Beardsley: "She has made shame swap sides from the victims to the rapists. They say she succeeded in doing that." 13:20
• Eleanor Beardsley: "It's a wake up moment. People are taking it seriously." 12:33

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Conclusion: This episode of "Up First" navigates through critical global issues, from the looming uncertainty surrounding TikTok's presence in the U.S., the hopeful yet challenging return of Syrian refugees, to the transformative aftermath of a high-profile rape trial in France. Each story underscores significant shifts in political landscapes, societal norms, and human rights, offering listeners a comprehensive start to their day with nuanced insights and firsthand reporting.

Transcript

[Steve Inskeep]

TikTok's American future is now up to the Supreme Court.

[Michelle Martin]

The Chinese owned company wants the high court to stop a ban of the app from taking effect next month. What does this mean for the tens of millions of TikTok users?

[Steve Inskeep]

I'm Steve Inskeep with Michelle Martin. And this is up first from NPR News.

[Michelle Martin]

Seven thousand Syrian refugees have been living in a makeshift camp on the Jordanian border for the past nine years. Now, after the fall of the Assad regime, most of them want to go home. But what will wait for them there? NPR's Janaraf is one of the first journalists to have visited the campsite.

[Steve Inskeep]

Also, judges delivered verdicts in a French rape case that shocked many people around the world. The victim has become a feminist hero. But will the trial make a difference for others? Stay with us. We've got the news you need to start your day.

[NPR Sponsor]

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[Michelle Martin]

TikTok and the Department of Justice are heading to the Supreme Court.

[Steve Inskeep]

The court accepted TikTok's request to hear arguments about a law that could ban the viral video app next month. The court's chosen timing matters here as much as the decision to hear the case. The justices often move deliberately and take many months, but they chose in this case to move quickly, scheduling an argument for TikTok within three weeks.

[Michelle Martin]

On January 10, NPR's Bobby Allen is with us to talk about what this could mean. Good morning, Bobby.

[Bobby Allen]

Good morning.

[Michelle Martin]

So why is the Supreme Court stepping in?

[Bobby Allen]

Well, in short, because TikTok requested an emergency review. And this is TikTok's last legal shot. Right. The company has been fighting a law that is set to take effect on January 19 that bans the app nationwide unless it splits off from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. It recently lost a lower court of appeal, and now the Supreme Court has scheduled expedited oral arguments and the hearing is happening in three weeks.

[Michelle Martin]

What are the main issues the court is being asked to resolve?

[Bobby Allen]

Yeah, the case is about the balance between free speech and the possible threat of a foreign adversary. TikTok has long said that the Chinese government doesn't collect data on Americans and does not use the app to push propaganda. But U.S. officials say the risk of that happening is just too high in that the app has to be put out of business unless it sheds its China based owner. Legal scholars say because because of the First Amendment, government restrictions on speech are very hard to uphold in court. Usually the government can only suppress speech if it's really narrowly tailored to deal with a really specific problem. And a lower court ruled that the Chinese issue is actually enough to justify the ban. But now the Supreme Court is reviewing it and they could just come down differently.

[Michelle Martin]

So it's TikTok's argument that this ban violates Americans free speech rights.

[Bobby Allen]

Yeah, that's right. The 170 million Americans on the app and actually TikTok's own free speech rights, they say as a corporation, because they have a LA based company and using the algorithm and pushing content, courts have shown, is another type of free speech. So there's kind of two free speeches at play here.

[Michelle Martin]

Okay, so what could this mean for the tens of millions of Americans who use TikTok? I mean, some people use it every day.

[Bobby Allen]

Oh, yeah, yeah. So if the court overturns the law, you know, business as usual for the app. But if it is upheld, it could mean the app is going away very soon. The law is slated to start, you know, in early January, and At that point, TikTok, you know, will be kicked out of app stores on Apple and Android devices. So you won't be able to download it and the app will lose web hosting services. So, you know, all the companies that provide backend support for TikTok, they'll have to drop the company. And if this happens, Michelle, it's not like the app's gonna like, disappear from everyone's phone overnight or something. It's just gonna get buggy, it's gonna get slow, and eventually it's not gonna be able to get software updates. So, you know, backing up for a moment here, though, you know, never before has the Supreme Court taken on a case over the US Government trying to shut down a massive social media platform. So this is entering some uncharted territory. And you know, President elect Donald Trump's administration is watching very closely.

[Michelle Martin]

And where does Trump stand on this?

[Bobby Allen]

Trump has given mixed signals on TikTok. He said he wanted to save the app and that he credits it with helping young voters turn out for him. But you know, just this weekend he said on NBC's Meet the Press if he will rescue the app. And he gave kind of an unclear, wishy washy answer. Remember, Trump tried to ban TikTok during his first term and was not successful. No matter what the court decides, though, the Trump administration has a ton of power here. If the Supreme Court upholds his law, his administration will be tasked with interpreting and enforcing it. So if TikTok loses at the Supreme Court, they're hoping Trump will just step in and rescue the app anyway.

[Jane Araf]

Trump.

[Michelle Martin]

That is NPR's Bobby Allen. Bobby, thank you.

[Bobby Allen]

Thanks, Michelle.

[Michelle Martin]

There's already a lot changing in Syria now that dictator Bashar Al Assad is gone.

[Steve Inskeep]

For one thing. People can move. Refugees are coming home. Syrians who were stuck on one side or another in the many battle lines can cross them for the first time in years. And journalists can get a fuller look at a country in transition.

[Michelle Martin]

NPR's Jane Araf has been traveling the country and she's with us on the line now from Damascus. Good morning, Jane.

[Jane Araf]

Good morning, Michelle.

[Michelle Martin]

So as we said, you've been traveling around Syria this past week. Tell us some of what you found.

[Jane Araf]

Yeah, well, Damascus itself, of course, has changed quite dramatically. I mean, just a couple of minutes ago, there were a bunch of sixth graders who are jumping up and down on a bronze statue of toppled leader Bashar Al Assad's head. We wanted to go further afield, though, so we traveled through Syrian's southern desert to a place I have been trying to get to for years. It's the Rukban camp. And it's in this remote corner of the desert where people who are fleeing ISIS thought that they could go across the Jordan and then were trapped there. Seven thousand people cut off for nine years. There's also a US Base there. It's part of the anti ISIS coalition. They've been partnering with Syrian forces that ended up forcing the retreat of The Syrian regime. So those refugees, those refugees in their own countries now have the possibility for the first time to go home. They don't have the money and they don't have a lot of other things, but there is the possibility. And up and down that highway, we were seeing the same thing last night. Near Hamma, one of the key towns that were taken that led to the retreat of the regime. There was a truck stop full of families traveling home. Inside there were Syrians crowding a sweet encounter. I spoke with one young mother who was going home for the first time in 13 years. She was going to introduce her kids to their grandparents. There have obviously been a lot of tragedies, a lot of deaths. But for the people who are able to reunite with their families, all of that time makes it somewhat sweeter.

[Michelle Martin]

You've also been following what's happening with Syrian Kurdish forces and Syrian Arab forces. The US has been trying to broker a truce there. What did you find out about this?

[Jane Araf]

Yesterday at the Euphrates river, about a six hour drive from Damascus, we were at one of the dividing lines between US backed Kurdish led forces and Turkish backed fighters who played a big role in the retreat of the regime here. And that road from Damascus to the Euphrates river kind of mirrors the fall of regime forces. Regime tanks on the road being stripped, fuel being siphoned by poor people, defaced posters of the regime, trucks with people heading home. But then when we got closer to Manbij where Syrian Arab coalition fighters were recently in control, there was kind of a vacuum there and people were afraid. We drove further along to near the actual front line. And we spoke to a commander of one of the factions from Luwa Al Shamar. He asked us to, to call him Abu Suleiman. He's the military commander for the operations room. He told us that the Kurdish led forces who he called terrorists had broken the ceasefire. That's a ceasefire that's been negotiated by the US but it is one of those fault lines and one of the areas of concern for the US and others as to what happens in this new Syria.

[Michelle Martin]

No conflict's still simmering it seems like.

[Jane Araf]

Absolutely.

[Michelle Martin]

That is NPR's generic talking with us from Damascus. Jane, thank you.

[Jane Araf]

Thank you.

[Michelle Martin]

Verdicts this morning have been handed down in a high profile rape trial in the south of France.

[Steve Inskeep]

51 men were on trial for raping a woman while she was drugged and unconscious over a period of years. Her husband was accused of orchestrating this abuse. The trial has shocked France and drawn the world's attention.

[Michelle Martin]

NPR's Eleanor Beardsley is at the courthouse now. We're going to go to her in Avignon. Eleanor, good morning.

[Eleanor Beardsley]

Good morning, Michelle.

[Michelle Martin]

Could you just start by reminding us who the accused are and of course, tell us the verdicts?

[Jane Araf]

Yeah.

[Eleanor Beardsley]

Well, these are sort of the working class everyman in France, a baker, a firefighter of all ages and races. And Giselle Pellico, she's a victim. Her husband was accused. He drugged her and recruited all of these men on an Internet site over a period of 10 years and filmed everything they did. He got the maximum sentence, 20 years. And all of the other 50 men were found guilty of raping Giselle Pellico, even though many of these men claimed they did not rape her because her husband said they had permission that she was in agreement. But there are aggravating circumstances to these, to these rapes. And the sentences are all different. So they seem to be tailored to each defendant. And it's still being read out. It's very technical. So some of the other men are getting lesser sentences than what the prosecution asked for. I'm hearing eight and 10 years. And a couple people have just come out of the courtroom shouting and angry, and I'm not sure who that is and what that means, but this could be very conflictual today.

[Michelle Martin]

So tell us more. We can hear that there's a hubbub there. Tell us about the scene there at the courthouse.

[Eleanor Beardsley]

Well, first of all, huge security. There's never been a trial like this in France before. I was out since seven in the morning in front of the courthouse. And there was just hundreds of people from the media all over the world and also, you know, supporters of Giselle Pellico, who was the victim, who had banners and placards. We watched her family come in. She has three grown children. And they've all testified that this has destroyed their lives. They've all disowned their father. And also the men who, you know, who have now been convicted because nobody was acquitted, they came in, you know, wearing hoodies and Covid masks and usually accompanied by a family member, a wife, because these guys are inserted into society. They have family, some of them, and they were all carrying duffel bags because they are expecting to go straight to prison now from here.

[Michelle Martin]

Say more, if you would, about the impact of this trial, which is, as Steve pointed out, has just, I mean, it's shaken the country to its core and I mean, it's attracted attention all over the world.

[Eleanor Beardsley]

Absolutely. You know, it has everywhere. It started a huge conversation about this is France this patriarchal society and the violence against women. Many people talk about there's a rape culture here, meaning that, you know, serious crimes and also street harassment is not taken seriously enough. And the fact that these men said, well, they didn't rape her, but that's where there was video evidence. And so as painful and sordid as this trial was and to hear it and they've seen these videos, it's having a positive impact to activists because it's a wake up moment. People are taking it seriously. You know, there might be more better education now. Law enforcement and French men have been tuned in. Many prominent men have spoken out and said they were ashamed because these guys are not psychotic criminals. They're average men and they're questioning the macho society.

[Michelle Martin]

Before we let you go, tell us a bit more about the victim or the survivor. I think we should say Giselle Pellican.

[Eleanor Beardsley]

Well, we can call her a hero, too, because she's a petite septuagenarian and her face is known everywhere. In France, she waived her right to anonymity and this trial be open to the public and the media. And she's changed everything. People said she has made shame swap sides from the victims to the rapists. They say she succeeded in doing that.

[Michelle Martin]

That is Eleanor Beardsley and Pierre's Eleanor Beardsley and Alvin. Eleanor, thank you.

[Eleanor Beardsley]

Thank you, Michelle.

[Michelle Martin]

And that's up first for Thursday, December 19th. I'm Michelle Martin.

[Steve Inskeep]

And I'm Steve Inskeep. There's an easy way to stay connected to news and podcasts from the NPR network. It is the NPR app. You hear community coverage from your local station because this is a network of local stations in communities across this country. You also hear stories from around the world and podcast suggestions based on what you like. Download the NPR app in your App Store.

[Michelle Martin]

Today's episode of Up first was edited by Kara Plattoni, Arzu Rizvani, Ryland Barton, H.J. mai and Mohammed El Bardisi. It was produced by Ziad Buch, Nia Dumas and Katie Klein. We get engineering support from Nisha Hyness, and our technical director is Carly Strange. We hope you'll join us again tomorrow.

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