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Notwithstanding his dalliance with criminal justice reform and his castigation of law enforcement officials he says have abused their powers to target him, Donald Trump has always been inclined to “back the blue” against critics of police policies and practices. That instinct goes back decades, and it has served him well in his current incarnation as a populist politician catering to the anxieties and resentments of Americans who worry that policing has been undermined and compromised by the demands of left-wing agitators. But the latest manifestation of this themeTrump’s campaign promise to “indemnify” police officers who supposedly are paralyzed by fear of civil liability for doing their jobsis so detached from reality that it belongs in the same category as his insistence that he actually won reelection in 2020.

“We will restore law and order in our communities,” Trump said during a campaign rally in New Hampshire last Saturday. “I am also going to indemnify our police officers. This is a big thing, and it’s a brand new thing, and I think it’s so important. I’m going to indemnify, through the federal government, all police officers and law enforcement officials throughout the United States from being destroyed by the radical left for taking strong actions against crime.”

The problem, Trump claimed at a rally in Iowa a few days earlier, is that police are “afraid to do anything. They’re forced to avoid any conflict. They are forced to let a lot of bad people do what they want to do, because they’re under threat of losing their pension, losing their house, losing their families.” To address that problem, he said, “we are going to indemnify them against any and all liability.”

Although Trump seems to think indemnification of police officers who are sued for alleged misconduct is “a brand new thing,” it has been long been routine practice. In a 2014 study of civil rights cases that covered “forty-four of the largest law enforcement agencies across the country,” UCLA law professor Joanna Schwartz found that “police officers are virtually always indemnified.” That means they are not personally responsible for settlement payments or jury-awarded damages arising from allegations of police abuse. From 2006 to 2011, Schwartz reported in the New York University Law Review, “governments paid approximately 99.98% of the dollars that plaintiffs recovered in lawsuits alleging civil rights violations by law enforcement.”

During that period, Schwartz calculated, “officers financially contributed to settlements and judgments in just .41% of the approximately 9225 civil rights damages actions resolved in plaintiffs’ favor, and their contributions amounted to just .02% of the over $730 million spent by cities, counties, and states in these cases.” She noted that “officers did not pay a dime of the over $3.9 million awarded in punitive damages,” and “governments satisfied settlements and judgments in full even when officers were disciplined or terminated by the department or criminally prosecuted for their conduct.”

What about legal fees? “Although my public records requests did not seek information about who bears the cost of defense counsel,” Schwartz wrote, “several government employees and plaintiffs’ attorneys noted in their responses that officers are almost always represented by the city’s or county’s attorneys, or by attorneys hired by union representatives.”

Given this situation, Trump’s proposal makes no sense. “The idea that officers need indemnification is frankly absurd,” Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law professor Alexander Reinert toldThe New York Times, because “they already have it.”

To reiterate, Schwartz found that cops were not actually on the hook for damages or settlements in civil rights cases even when their employers decided that their conduct warranted discipline or dismissal. They were not on the hook even when prosecutors decided that their conduct warranted criminal charges. Yet Trump claims that cops “avoid any conflict” and are “afraid to do anyhing” because they worry that frivolous lawsuits will ruin them financially.

In reality, even meritorious lawsuits often do not get far enough that the defendants need the indemnification they would virtually always receive. Under 42 USC 1983, victims of police abuse theoretically can seek damages for violations of their constitutional rights. But thanks to qualified immunity, a restriction that the Supreme Court grafted onto that statute, such lawsuits cannot proceed unless they allege conduct that violated “clearly established” law. In practice, that means plaintiffs must locate precedents with closely similar facts, a requirement that can block lawsuits when police behave in ways that even Donald Trump might consider beyond the pale.

Suppose a cop responds to an erroneous report of domestic abuse by assaulting the woman he ostensibly came to help, lifting her off the ground in a bear hug and throwing her to the ground, thereby breaking her collarbone and knocking her unconscious, because she disobeyed his command to “get back here.” Suppose police wreck a woman’s home with tear gas grenades after she gives them permission to enter so they can arrest her former boyfriend, who it turns out is not actually there. Suppose police, after chasing a suspect into an innocent family’s yard, shoot a 10-year-old boy while trying to kill his dog. Suppose police steal cash and property worth more than $225,000 while executing a search warrant. Suppose police kill a suicidal, gasoline-soaked man by lighting him on fire with a Taser.

As you can see if you follow those links, these are not theoretical examples. These are actual cases where federal appeals courts decided that qualified immunity barred the would-be plaintiffs from even trying to make the case that they deserved compensation under Section 1983.

In ananalysisof 252 excessive-force cases decided by federal appeals courts from 2015 through 2019, Reutersfoundthat most of the lawsuits were blocked by qualified immunity. It also found that the share of cases decided in favor of police had risen from 44 percent in 200507 to 57 percent in 201719.

As 5th Circuit Judge Don Willett observed in 2018, “qualified immunity smacks of unqualified impunity, letting public officials duck consequences for bad behaviorno matter how palpably unreasonableas long as they were thefirst to behave badly.” Worse, “important constitutional questions go unanswered precisely because those questions are yet unanswered.”

Five years later, the barriers to compensation for victims of police abuse remain daunting. “The American legal system regularly leaves constitutional wrongs unrighted,” Willett noted this month. “Many worthy 1983 claims go unfiled, and those that are filed must navigate a thicket of immunity doctrines that shield government wrongdoing, thus turning valid claims into vanquished ones.”

According to Trump, by contrast, it is so easy to sue police officers and so easy to recover damages that the prospect prevents them from doing their jobs because it threatens them with financial ruin. None of that is true.

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Former president of Philippines Rodrigo Duterte appears in court accused of running death squads

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March 14, 2025

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Former president of Philippines Rodrigo Duterte appears in court accused of running death squads

Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines, has appeared at the International Criminal Court, accused of crimes against humanity.

The 79-year-old appeared in the Netherlands via video link on Friday.

His lawyer said he was suffering from “debilitating medical issues” but the judge in The Hague, Iulia Motoc, said the court doctor had found him to be “fully mentally aware and fit”.

She said he was allowed to appear remotely because he had taken a long flight.

Wearing a jacket and tie, Duterte spoke briefly to confirm his name and date of birth.

He was read his rights and formally informed of the charges. His supporters contest his arrest and say the court does not have jurisdiction.

If convicted, he faces life in prison.

His daughter Sara Duterte, the current vice president of the Philippines, said she was hoping to visit her father and have the hearing moved after meeting supporters outside the court.

Back home in the Philippine capital region, large screens were set up to allow families of suspects killed in the crackdowns to watch the proceedings.

Police protested over the killings when Mr Duterte was still in charge in 2021. Pic: AP
Image:
Police protested over the killings when Mr Duterte was still in charge in 2021. Pic: AP

Prosecutors accuse Duterte of forming and arming death squads said to have killed thousands of drug dealers and users during a brutal crackdown on illegal drugs.

Police say more than 6,200 people were killed in what they describe as shootouts while he was president from 2016 to 2022.

They claim he was an “indirect co-perpetrator” in multiple murders, allegedly overseeing killings between November 2011 and March 2019.

Before becoming president, Duterte was the mayor of the southern city of Davao.

According to the prosecution, he issued orders to police and other “hitmen” who formed the so-called “Davao Death Squads” or DDS.

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Why was Duterte arrested?

Estimates of the death toll during his six-year presidential term vary, from more than 6,000 reported by national police, to 30,000 claimed by human rights groups.

The warrant for his arrest said there were “reasonable grounds to believe that Mr Duterte bears criminal responsibility for the crime against humanity of murder”.

Duterte has said he takes full responsibility for the “war on drugs”.

He was arrested on Tuesday amid chaotic scenes in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, after returning from a visit to Hong Kong.

He told officers “you have to kill me to bring me to The Hague” during a 12-hour standoff, a Philippine police general said.

He also refused to have his fingerprints taken and threatened Police Major General Nicolas Torre with lawsuits before he was bundled onto a government-chartered jet at a Philippine air base and taken to The Hague, Maj Gen Torre told the Associated Press.

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Environment

1,000 kW fast charging?!? BYD teases tech twice as fast as Tesla, debuting March 17

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March 14, 2025

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1,000 kW fast charging?!? BYD teases tech twice as fast as Tesla, debuting March 17

1,000 kW charger

Build Your Dreams (BYD) is gearing up for what has the makings of an epic launch event this coming Monday. The Chinese automaker announced several incoming debuts coming early next week, including a new “BYD Super e-Platform,” described as a “new benchmark in electric.” What’s most interesting, however, is that BYD is teasing a new ultra-fast EV charger with up to 1,000 kW of power – that’s twice as powerful as the current best on the market.

Automotive conglomerate BYD is at it again, continuously showcasing its innovation and market expansion as a clear force that will not be ignored by the global automotive segment. In addition to several EV marques, including its new ultra-performance Yangwang brand, BYD develops and implements EV battery technology and EV charging infrastructure.

Earlier this week, BYD shared that Yangwang will be launching its new U7 sedan at an event held at the former’s headquarters in Shenzen, China, later this month. Before then, however, BYD is preparing for a launch event for its own namesake as early as this Monday at HQ.

According to a Weibo post from earlier today, BYD’s launch event on the 17th promises the debut of a new high-performance EV platform, the start of pre-sales of two new models, and an unveiling of new EV charger technology capable of up to 1,000 kW. Eat your heart out, Tesla. You, too, Electrify America.

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1,000 kW charger
Source: BYD/Weibo

BYD to unveil 1,000 kW fast charging tech on 3/17

According to the Weibo Post from BYD, its next launch event will take place this coming Monday, March 17 at 7 PM Beijing time (7 AM EDT). The post was translated to English, but essentially promises the debut of its new “BYD Super e-Platform,” which will reinvent pure electric technology.

As reported by CnEVPost, an invitation to the event elaborated on the capabilities of the Super e-Platform, stating it will “use disruptive technology to completely solve the biggest headache in EV use.” That’s assumedly the charging process and how long even the fastest chargers still take in comparison to a gas station visit.

On that note, the BYD event also includes the debut of a new 1,000 kW EV fast charger. Per the post seen above:

1,000-kW flash charging that allows refueling and charging to have the same speed.

A 1,000 kW BYD fast charger would be a marvel and a potential game changer for EV adoption, doubling the power of current industry leaders like Tesla. The American automaker began rolling out its V4 Superchargers in North America in 2023, which are currently capable of 325 kW. However, Tesla has shared plans to boost those capabilities with 500 kW cabinets this year.

Even so, BYD is on the cusp of introducing EV charging capabilities that are double that prospective target, and it already has the technology out in the wild. CnEVPost also shared reports from several auto bloggers in China that captured images of what seems to be the new BYD charger, relaying that specifications listed on the pile support up to 1,000 volts and power of up to 1,000 kW.

BYD also intends to open pre-sales of its Han L and Tang L EVs at the same event. Because of this, there is speculation that both models will sit atop BYD’s Super e-Platform and support charging power of up to 1,000 kW.

We won’t know for sure until Monday, but this sounds like it will be an exciting one from BYD. Circle back to Electrek on Monday for a full recap.

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Check out Kia’s cool new ‘Unplugged Ground’ EV experience center [Images]

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March 14, 2025

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Check out Kia's cool new 'Unplugged Ground' EV experience center [Images]

Kia-EV-experience

Kia opened its new “Unplugged Ground” on Friday, a unique EV experience. The complex has Kia’s latest EVs, including the EV4, on display for visitors to meet and interact with.

Kia opens new Unplugged Ground EV experience

The Kia Unplugged Ground first opened in 2021 following the launch of its first dedicated electric vehicle, the EV6. It’s located in

Since then, Kia has revamped the brand with a new logo, branding, and sleek new styling. It has also introduced an entirely new generation of mass-market EVs that are now rolling out globally.

Kia introduced its first electric sedan, the EV4, earlier this year during its 2025 EV Day event (see our event recap). We also got our first look at the PV5, Kia’s first electric van, and the EV2, its smallest, cheapest model set to launch next year.

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These will join the three-row EV9, and smaller EV3 and EV5 electric SUVs in Kia’s wide-ranging lineup. As part of its “EVs for all” strategy, prices will range from under $30,000 to upwards of $80,000.

Kia-EV-experience
Kia-EV-experience

To coincide with the launch of the EV4, Kia transformed the EV experience center. The upgraded facility opened in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, on Friday with a futuristic look and cool new interactive technology.

The EV experience center now displays Kia’s entire lineup, including the EV4, EV3, EV6, and EV9. Visitors can interact with the vehicles using Apple’s mixed reality headset Vision Pro, racing simulators, and more. They can even try out the EV9’s advanced driver assistance systems virtually.

Kia-EV4-orders-Korea
Kia EV4 sedan (Source: Hyundai Motor)

Kia’s upgraded EV brand experience comes after it opened EV4 orders earlier this week in Korea. The EV4 starts at 41.92 million won, or roughly $29,000.

Kia EV4 Trim Starting Price
Kia EV4 Standard Air 41.92 million won ($28,900)
Kia EV4 Standard Earth 46.69 million won ($32,000)
Kia EV4 Standard GT-Line 47.83 million won ($32,900)
Kia EV4 Long Range Air 46.29 million won ($31,800)
Kia EV4 Long Range Earth 51.04 million won ($35,000)
Kia EV4 Long Range GT-Line 51.04 million won ($35,900)
Kia EV4 prices in South Korea (Source: Hyundai Motor)

With a 58.3 kWh battery, the standard EV4 Air is rated with up to 237 miles (382 km) driving range. The long-range model, starting at 46.29 million won ($31,800), features an 81.4 kWh battery for up to 331 miles (533 km) range.

Later this year Kia will launch the electric sedan in the US, Europe, and other global markets. Maybe, we could get one of these futuristic EV experience centers, too?

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