awaiting the verdict at the trial of police officer Derek Chauvin

The jury for the trial of the police officer accused of the “murder” of George Floyd withdrew, Monday, April 19, to deliberate on the responsibility of Derek Chauvin in the death of the African-American forties, after a final day during which the accusation and defense presented their arguments.

“You must be absolutely impartial”, told them Judge Peter Cahill, who invited them to “Examine the evidence, weigh it and apply the law” at the end of this extraordinary trial, scrutinized around the world.

The 45-year-old white police officer is on trial for murder, manslaughter and intentional violence resulting in the death of George Floyd, whom he arrested with three other officers for a minor offense. For over nine minutes, he had kept his knee on the neck of the 40-year-old, who was lying on his stomach with his hands cuffed behind his back. His agony, filmed live by passers-by, shocked the world and sparked demonstrations of historic proportions against racism and police violence.

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“It was murder, the accused is guilty of all three counts and there is no excuse”, attacked the prosecutor Steve Schleicher, in conclusion of his indictment, which lasted more than an hour and a half. “This case is exactly what you initially thought of, watching this video”, he said. “George Floyd begged until he couldn’t speak”, he said.

“It just needed a little compassion and no one showed any that day”, added the prosecutor, criticizing the policeman who remained impassive in the face of the pleas of his victim and passers-by. “The accused is not tried because he is a police officer” But “He is judged for what he has done”, stressed Steve Schleicher, believing that Derek Chauvin had “Betrayed his badge”.

Read also: A jury of ordinary and diverse citizens facing the challenge of a symbolic trial

“Very stressful situations” according to the defense

But for his lawyer, Derek Chauvin acted in a way ” reasonable “ during the eventful arrest of the 40-year-old with the imposing size, on May 25, 2020 in Minneapolis. The prosecution failed to provide evidence to the contrary “Beyond a reasonable doubt, and Mr. Chauvin must therefore be found not guilty”Eric Nelson said after nearly three hours of pleading.

According to him, George Floyd died of the combination of heart problems and drug use – fentanyl, an opiate, and methamphetamine, a stimulant – ” in context “ immobilization by the police, but this did not cause his death, he says.

“Police officers are human beings and they can make mistakes in very stressful situations”, he admitted, suggesting that ” frustration “ Loud from bystanders could pose a threat and had distracted Derek Chauvin’s attention from George Floyd’s plight.

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The policeman, in a clear suit and blue shirt, followed the plea without wearing a mask, seeming concentrated without showing any emotion. Derek Chauvin refused to testify, making use of the right of any accused in the United States not to give evidence likely to incriminate him.

Eric Nelson’s objective is to sow doubt in the minds of the jury, which must render a unanimous verdict on each of the three charges. The ex-policeman faces up to 40 years in prison. Police convictions for murder are very rare, with jurors tending to give them the benefit of the doubt. If the jury cannot agree on all of the charges, the trial will be declared “void”.

Read also Death of George Floyd: a final day of trial in a tense context

“The world is watching us”

Protesters marched in Minneapolis on Monday, April 19, to demand the conviction of Derek Chauvin.

Any other scenario than a conviction worries the local authorities. The trial is taking place amid high tensions and daily protests following the recent death of a young black man on the outskirts of Minneapolis.

The city of Minnesota had already set alight after the death of George Floyd, and businesses were once again barricaded behind wooden planks. More than 400 people marched through the streets of the city on Monday to demand the conviction of Derek Chauvin, singing “The world is watching, we are watching, do what is right”.

Walking behind a banner claiming “Justice for George Floyd”, they passed National Guard soldiers on their way, observing them near armored vehicles. Camouflage uniforms, and submachine gun slung, these soldiers have been patrolling the streets of the city for several weeks, on the sidelines of this high-tension trial.

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Rodney Floyd, one of George’s brothers, shared earlier today his gratitude for the messages of support “From all over the world” to his family, several of whom have been following the proceedings since March 29.

The outcome of the trial will also have an impact on that of the other three agents, who are due to be tried in August for “Complicity in murder”.

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The World with AFP