USA: George Floyd’s family receives $ 27 million in compensation for pain and suffering
The trial of the white former police officer Derek Chauvin has begun in the United States. Videos of the incident spread rapidly and led to weeks of mass protests against racism and police violence in the United States.
8:37 p.m., March 12, 2021
Almost a year after the death of the African American George Floyd in a police operation in Minneapolis, the city and the family agreed on a settlement of 27 million US dollars (about 22.6 million euros), according to media reports. This was reported by the “New York Times” and the news channel CNN, among others. The city council of the city in the state of Minnesota unanimously approved the settlement in a session on Friday.
After Floyd’s death on May 25 last year, the family sued the city and four police officers involved in the operation. The city administration was accused of “deliberate indifference”. They failed to take action against dangerous police practices and to properly train their police officers. In doing so, she promoted a culture of excessive violence and impunity.
“I can’t breathe”
The unarmed black man was killed when he was arrested. The white policeman Derek Chauvin pressed his knee to Floyd’s neck for minutes, although Floyd pleaded to let him breathe. After the killing, there were mass protests against police violence and racism in the United States for months. The police arrested Floyd on suspicion of paying with a fake $ 20 bill. You have been released and charged.
Policeman now in court
A jury selection for the trial of the main defendant, Chauvin, is currently underway in a Minneapolis court. He is charged with second degree murder without intent. Up to 40 years imprisonment is on it. He is also accused of second-degree manslaughter, which could result in an additional 10 years in prison. On Thursday, the judge also admitted the charge of third-degree murder, which could result in up to 25 years in prison. The main trial is scheduled to begin on March 29th.
The three other ex-police officers involved could also face long prison sentences if convicted. You are in a separate trial that is not due to begin until August 23.
